Structure Of The Nervous System Flashcards
What is the human nervous system comprised of?
Comprised of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What is the Peripheral nervous system broken down into?
- Somatic nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
Describe the brain as an organ
- The most complex organ in the human body
- Controls basic fundamental life processes
- Also controls more complex processes
List the basic fundamental life processes of the brain
- Breathing
- Organ function
- Movement
List the complex processes of the brain
- Thought
- Behaviour and emotion
- Creating memories
What are the major regions of the brain?
- Forebrain: Telecephalon (or cerebrum), Diencephalon
- Brainstem: Midbrain, Pons, Medulla Oblongata
- Cerebellum
List the different axes of the brain
- Anterior (Front) and Posterior (Behind)
- Rostral (Nose) and Caudal (Tail)
- Dorsal (Top) and Ventral (Bottom)
- Superior (Above) and Inferior (Below)
List the different planes of the brain
- Coronal: Divide the brain into front (anterior) and a back (posterior) section
- Horizontal: Divide the brain into an upper (superior) and lower (inferior) section
- Sagital: Divide the brain into two hemispheres, Further characterised as midsagittal (midline) or parasagittal (more lateral)
Describe the hippocampus
State it’s function
- A region of the cerebral cortex embedded deep within the temporal lobe
- Learning
- Memory formation and retrieval
- Regulation of hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis
What are two types of hippocampal dysfunction?
- Anterograde amnesia
- Retrograde amnesia
What is the coronal, Horizontal, Sagittal sections of the brain?
Reveals important regions within the forebrain, including various sub-cortical structures
What are the cranial nerves in the brain?
Describes the twelve pairs of nerves arising from the brainstem that perform a diverse range of functions
List, in order, the cranial nerves in the brain
- Olfactory 2. Optic 3. Oculomotor 4. Trochlear 5. Trigeminal 6. Abducens 7. Facial 8. Auditory vestibular (Vestibulocochlear) 9. Glossopharyngeal 10. Vagus 11. Spinal accessory 12. Hypoglossal
Describe the Cranial Nerves XI and XII
Cranial nerve XI (Spinal accessory):
- Somatic motor: Movement of muscles in the throat and neck
Cranial nerve XII (Hypoglossal):
- Somatic motor: Movement of the tongue (e.g. Swallowing and speech)
List the support and protection regions of the brain
- Meninges
- Ventricular system
- Vasculature system