Organization and Function of the Nervous System Flashcards
Role of Nervous System
- Detects environmental changes
- Responds to such events
Definition of nervous system in animals?
In animals, coordinates actions by transmitting signals to and from different parts of its body.
Two main parts of Nervous System?
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
What are the two parts of the Peripheral Nervous System?
- Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
What are the two parts of the Somatic Nervous System?
- Cranial Nerves
- Spinal Nerves
What are the two parts of the Autonomic Nervous System?
- Sympathetic Division (Arousal)
- Parasympathetic (Calming)
How many pairs of Cranial Nerves?
Twelve pairs.
What do cranial nerves control?
- Afferent functions
- Efferent functions
- Both
What are Afferent functions?
Incoming sensations to the brain.
What are Efferent functions?
Outgoing sensations from the brain.
What do cranial nerves connect?
Connects the brain to internal organs.
What do cranial nerves do?
Regulates autonomic responses.
What do spinal nerves primarily control?
Control and carry information about the body, trunk & limbs.
Like the CNS, the SNS is?
Bilaterally symmetrical (mirror).
What are the afferent nerves of spinal cord?
Dorsal fibers.
What are the efferent nerves of the spinal cord?
Ventral fibers.
What is a root?
Collection of fibers entering/exiting spinal cord segment.
What is the Law of Bell & Magendie?
The dorsal spinal cord is sensory & ventral side is motor.
What region does the sympathetic nervous system connect to?
Thoracic and lumbar spinal cord regions.
What region does the parasympathetic nervous system connect to?
Cranial nerves 3, 7, and 10 and to the sacral region.
What are vertebrae?
Segments of the spinal cord.
How many anatomical regions are vertebrae divided into?
5-From top to bottom: cranial, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral.
What are dermatomes?
Areas of skin on your body that rely on specific nerve connections on your spine (Each dermatome contains sensory nerve & motor nerves)
What are the vertebrae sections numbered?
Cervical (C1 to C8)
Thoracic (T1 to T12)
Lumbar (L1 to L5)
Sacral (S1 to S5)
Can the spinal cord act without the brain? If so how?
Yes:
1. Spinal reflexes
2. Automatic movements are hard for the brain to inhibit
What is meninges?
The security of the brain (protection).
What are the 3 meninges?
- Dura Mater
- Arachnoid Layer
- Pia Mater
What is dura mater?
It is the outer layer that is tough and double-layered fibrous tissue. It covers the brain and spinal cord similar to a helmet.
What is the arachnoid layer?
A thin sheet of delicate connective tissue. It follows the brain’s contour.
What is pia mater?
A moderately tough membrane of connective tissue. It clings to the brain’s surface.
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges.
How does meningitis work?
Bacterial infection, specifically of the pia mater and arachnoid space. Cerebral spinal fluid is also involved.
What does meningitis cause?
Intracranial pressure (ICP).
What is intracranial pressure (ICP)?
Inflammation puts pressure on the brain; and leads to drowsiness, delirium, or coma.
What part are fiber nerves in?
Peripheral nervous system.
Are cranial and spinal nerves functionally equivalent?
Yes, but they control different things.
