Overview of Nervous System Flashcards
what do the following neuronal networks do with information
*afferent nerves
* interneurons
* efferent nerves
- Afferent = takes information from PNS to CNS
- Interneuron = relays information
Efferent = takes response from CNS to PNS
a typical neuron is made up of the following; explain these bits
1) dendrite
2) cell body
3) axon
4) axon terminal
Typical neuron
Dendrite = (can be hundreds of them) collects information
Cell body = synthetic centre (nucleus + nucleolus, it will have endoplasmic reticulum (SER+ RER) where neurotransmitters are made that function + support the neuron)
Axon = (one) conducts action potentials from cell body to other neurons or effector organ
Axon terminal = (on end) release neurotransmitter onto other neurons (or effector organ)
What are the glial cells found in PNS
In the PNS, the main glial cells are Schwann cells (make myelin), satellite cells (support cell bodies
SATELLITE CELLS (in PNS)= equivalent of astrocyte, these control the environment around the cell bodies of sensory neurons ), and enteric glia(alter the survival and function of neurons through active signalling mechanisms).
what is the difference between schwann cell and oligodendrocyte
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCHWANN CELL + OLIGODENDROCYTE
=in PNS shwann cells myelinate a single section of a single axon, whereas in CNS an
Oligodendrocyte can send processes to myelinate multiple axons so it can myelinate lots of different axons
most brain tumours are ____. _____ cells can undergo mitosis
- Most brain tumours are GLIOMAS
- GLIAL cells can undergo mitosis
Schwannoma, astrocytoma, ependymoma and oligodendroglioma
- GLIAL cells can undergo mitosis
Describe the following glial cell neurological diseases
1) Epilepsy
2) Alzheimer’s disease
3) Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Often caused by malfunction in glial cells control ion + water content around neuron= excess neurotransmitter (astrocyte scar this disrupts normal neuronal function creating seizures) in a region where neuronal damage has taken place
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Tau in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes effecting their function
- Multiple sclerosis
- Autoimmune condition where autoantibodies attack oligodendrocytes causing myelin to be lost, so AP is not insulated and disrupted. MS symptoms;
difficulty walking.
vision problems, such as blurred vision.
problems controlling the bladder.
numbness or tingling in different parts of the body.
muscle stiffness and spasms.
problems with balance and co-ordination
- Autoimmune condition where autoantibodies attack oligodendrocytes causing myelin to be lost, so AP is not insulated and disrupted. MS symptoms;
what are the brodman areas of the brain
Brodmann mapped the human brain based on the varied cellular structure across the cortex and identified 52 distinct regions, which he numbered 1 to 52. These regions, or Brodmann areas, correspond with diverse functions including sensation, motor control, and cognition.
what are the functions of the following cerebral lobes of the brain:
1) frontal lobe
2) parietal lobe
3) temporal lobe
4) occipital lobe
5) cerebellum
6) brain stem
1) frontal lobe=
* problem solving
* emotional traits
* reasoning (judgement)
* speaking
* voluntary motor activity
2) parietal lobe=
* knowing right from left
* sensation
* reading
* body orientation
3) temporal lobe=
* understanding language
* behaviour
* memory
* hearing
4) occipital lobe
* vision
* colour perception
5) cerebellum
* balance
* coordination + control of voluntary movement
* fine muscle control
6) brainstem=
* breathing
* body temperature
* digestion + swallowing
* alertness + sleep
what region of the brain is responsible for most involuntary movements
The medulla oblongata (part of brain stem) is the rod-shaped part of the brain which is seen below the cerebrum, located near the cerebellum of the brain. It controls involuntary actions like heartbeat and breathing.
what is the function of the limbic cortex
LIMBIC CORTEX=
feeding, reproduction and caring for our young, and fight or flight responses.
what is the function of the insula
insula (sometimes referred to as 5th lobe of the brain!) functions=
* motor control INITIATING swallowing (n.b. Medulla oblongata in control for swallowing urself)
* pain magnitude
* emotions to smells
what are homunculi in brain
Homunculi= The word “homunculus” means little man in Latin. But in neuroanatomy, the cortical homunculus represents either the motor or the sensory distribution along the cerebral cortex of the brain
where is the primary motor homunculi (aka motor homunculus) region of brain found?
primary motor homunculi= precentral gyrus of frontal lobe
where is the primary somatosensory homunculi region of brain?
Primary somatosensory = postcentrul gyrus of parietal lobe
explain the parts of the brain responsible for
1) comprehending language
2) producing language
1) Wernicke’s area
* Comprehension / understanding of written and spoken language
* Brodmann area 22
2) Broca’s area
* Language production
Brodmann area 44-45
== both in left hemisphere
the right side is not involved w speech production its more to understand emotion + tone of voice
describe what the left side of brain is for vs right side
left side=
* spoken + written language
* numbers
* logical
right side=
* creative side
* non-verbal information (music, images, communicating through hands)
* drawing/construction
* intuitive
what is the location + function of corpus collosum
The corpus callosum is a large white matter tract that connects the two hemispheres of the brain. It is an incredibly important structural and functional part of the brain. It allows us to perceive depth and enables the two sides (left + right) of our brain to communicate.
- Corpus callosum connects cerebral hemispheres
- 250,000,000 axons
- Extends from enlarged genu in frontal lobe to enlarged splenium in parietal lobe
Genu = a structure that looks like a knee. In this case a bend in the corpus callosum
what does the anterior commisure tract connect
anterior commissure is a white matter fiber bundle which connects the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain concerned with the olfactory pathway. It also interconnects the amygdalas and temporal lobes of the brain.
what is collouqially known as the ‘post office’ of the brain, where all information is sorted and put in right part of the brain. This area of the brain receives info from all areas of PNS)
the Thalamus (‘post office’ it sorts info and puts it in right part of the brain it receives info from all areas of PNS)
Lies on either side of 3rd ventricle
Forms wall of 3rd ventricle
Receives input from ALL areas of the nervous system
Gateway to the cortex
when a person is afraid where will we see activity in the brain
a person who is afraid or remembering smth frightening will show increased activity in the amygdala
what are the 3 parts of the brainstem and what cranial nerves emerge from the brain stem
The Brainstem
The brainstem is the most distal part of the brain and is continuous with the spinal cord. It is composed of three components: the midbrain (1); the pons (2) and the medulla oblongata (3). Each of these components has its own unique structure and function. Cranial nerves III to XII emerge from the brain stem : The oculomotor nerve (III) and trochlear nerve (IV) emerge from the midbrain, the trigeminal (V), abducens (VI), facial (VII) and vestibulocochlear (VIII) from the pons, and the glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X), accessory (XI) and hypoglossal (XII) emerge from the medulla.
