OCB03-2004 Flashcards
Define a PNS neuron.
A neuron with any part outside the brain or spinal cord
Define a CNS neuron.
A neuron entirely contained within the brain and/or spinal cord
What are the two divisions of the autonomic NS?
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
What two structures make up the CNS?
Brain
Spinal cord
What is contained in grey matter?
Cell bodies of neurons
What is contained in white matter?
Myelinated axons
What is the distribution of grey and white matter in the brain?
Cortex = grey matter
White matter on the inside
What is the distribution of grey and white matter in the spinal cord?
White matter peripherally
Grey matter forms characteristic H shape
Where does the parasympathetic system originate?
Cranial nerves
Sacral nerves
(Cranio-sacral)
Where does the sympathetic system originate?
T1-L2
What are the functions of the cranial part of the parasympathetic system?
Constrict pupils (miosis)
Stimulate salivation
Slow heartbeat
Constrict airways
Stimulate stomach and intestinal activity
Stimulate gall bladder
Inhibit glucose release
What are the functions of the sacral part of the parasympathetic system?
Contract bladder
Promote erection of genitals
What are the functions of the thoracic part of the sympathetic system?
Dilate pupils (mydriasis)
Inhibit salivation
Increase heartbeat
Relax airways
Inhibit stomach and intestinal activity
Inhibit gall bladder
Stimulate glucose release
What are the functions of the lumbar part of the sympathetic system?
Relax bladder
Promote ejaculation and vaginal contraction
What forms the hindbrain?
Pons
Medulla
Cerebellum
What is another term for forebrain?
Endbrain
Telencephalon
What are the three main anatomical compartments of the brain?
Forebrain
Midbrain
Hindbrain
Which surface of the brain is ventral?
Underside
Which side of the brain is dorsal?
Upper side
What is a sagittal plane?
Plane that runs through the midline
Why is the coronal plane considered to be a transverse plane?
Flexion of brain during development
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there normally?
31
How many spinal nerves are in each vertebral area (ie cervical, thoracic…)?
8 cervical
12 thoracic
5 lumbar
5 sacral
1 coccygeal
At what level does the spinal cord end?
L1/L2
Through what structure do spinal nerves leave the vertebral column?
Intervertebral foramen
What is the cauda equina?
Region of spinal nerves with no spinal cord in the vertebral column
What is the clinical significance of the cauda equina?
Able to perform a lumbar puncture to sample CSF safely/without damaging spinal cord
Describe the location of lower motor neurons.
Soma in ventral horns
Axons project through ventral root to join with dorsal roots
Terminate at neuromuscular junction
Describe the location of sensory neurons in the spinal cord.
Soma in dorsal root ganglion
Axon comes in from a sensory-specific receptor
Axon travels via dorsal root into dorsal horn