The Brain

Question 1

What are Glia (glia cells)?

Answer 1

Glia support the function of neurons, found in both central and periphial nervous system (CNS) (PNS). they are smaller than neurons and make up 50% of the mass of the brain.

Question 2

Name 4 types of glial cells + function

Answer 2

Astrocytes provide neurons with nutrients in the CNS-feed them lactic acid
Oligodendrocytes produce myelin sheaths around the axons in the CNS
Schwann cells make myelin sheaths in PNS
Satellite cells are a type of schwann cell, similar role to astrocytes but in PNS

Question 3

What is meningitis? What causes it and what are the symptoms?

Answer 3

Inflammation of the meninges. Caused by bacterial infection, symptoms include fever, severe head and neck pain, light sensitivity. tx requires hospitalisation and iv antibiotics, can result in death

Question 4

Name and describe the layers and spaces of the meninges

Answer 4

Epidural space is between dura mater and the vertabrae. cushioning function w fat and connective tissue
Dura mater is outside layer.
Subdural space in between dura and arachnoid mater, lubricating function
Arachnoid mater is cobweb-like middle layer.
Sub arachnoid space between arachnoid and pia. cushioning function with cerebrospinal fluid
Pia mater layer directly covers brain and spinal cord, has blood vessels

Question 5

What are the 3 parts of the brainstem?

Answer 5

Medulla oblongata (lower)
Pons (middle)
Midbrain (top)

Question 6

Function of medulla oblongata?

Answer 6

the most vital part of the brain, injury or disease causes death, connects to the spinal cord, carries signals from the brain to the rest of the body for vital functions such as breathing, circulation, swallowing and digestion.

Question 7

Function of pons?

Answer 7

contains reflex centres for CNV, VI, VII &VIII

Question 8

Function of midbrain

Answer 8

Top of brainstem, relay system for vision &hearing. Role in motor movement, pain and sleep/wake cycle

Question 9

What is the diencephalon?

Answer 9

Found between cerebrum and midbrain, contains thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. The thalamus works as a relay station for all incoming motor and sensory signals before they travel to the cerebral cortex. The hypothalamus is one of the most important areas of the brain and has a major role in homeostasis which keeps us alive. The epithalamus contains the pineal gland which secretes melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle in humans.

Question 10

What is the meninges?

Answer 10

Protective cover for the brain and spinal cord.

Question 11

what is a disease of the central nervous system?

Answer 11

multiple sclerosis- a myelin disorder due to myelin loss and injured or dead oligodendrocytes. symptoms include weakness, loss of coordination and visual and speech impairment. no cure.