The nervous system Flashcards
The study of the nervous system
Neurology
-Nervous system is designed to transmit information via nerve impulses from one area of the body to another
-Organs include the brain, spinal cord, nerves and sense organs like the eyes and ears
Overview of the nervous system
- Central nervous system: brain + spinal cord
- Peripheral nervous system: spinal nerves and cranial nerves
Nervous system divisions
Nerve cells
-Made up of the cell body, dendrites, and the axon
Neurons
Neurons that carry impulses to the brain
Sensory / afferent
Neurons that carry impulses from the brain
Motor / efferent
Support cells in the nervous system
Glia
The external portion of the brain
Cerebral cortex
Divides the brain into two cerebral hemispheres
Corpus callosum
Grooves that separate the lobes of the brain
Sulci
Deep sulci
Fissures
Ridges that lie along the brain
Gyri
Cavities within the brain
Vantricles
Lobes of the brain
Emotions, planning, reasoning, problem solving
Frontal lobe
Lobes of the brain
Sensory information
Parietal lobe
Lobes of the brain
Sensory information, language, hearing, memory formation
Temporal lobe
Lobes of the brain
Vision, interpretation of vision
Occipital lobe
What are the division of the brain?
- Brainstem
- Cerebellum
- Diencephalon
- Cerebrum
Functions in cardiac output, respiration, and vasodilation / vasoconstriction
Brainstem (medulla)
Divisions of the brainstem
Lowest part of the brainstem
-Functions in respiration cardiac function, vasodilation, and reflexes
Medulla oblongata
Divisions of the brainstem
Between the midbrain and the medulla oblongata
-Functions in respiration
Pons
Divisions of the brainstem
Central connection between the spinal cord and the brain, functions in motor movement and auditory / visual processing
Midbrain
Functions in producing smooth and coordinated muscle movements, maintaining equilibrium, and sustaining posture
-Lies under the occipital lobe of the cerebrum at the back of the brain
Cerebellum
Functions in coordinating the release of hormones from the endocrine system, relaying sensory and motor signals, and regulating the sleep / wake cycle
-In the central portion of the brain
Diencephalon
Divisions of the diencephalon
-Below the thalamus
-Functions in controlling heartbeat, constriction / dilation of blood vessels, contractions of the stomach / intestines, and body temperature
-Neurons produce hormones that the posterior pituitary gland secretes
Hypothalamus
Divisions of the diencephalon
-Above the hypothalamus (dumbbell shaped)
-Functions in relaying sensory information, associating sensations with emotions, regulating levels of consciousness, and motor reflex production
Thalamus
Divisions of the diencephalon
-Posterior to the thalamus
-Functions in the output of melatonin
Pineal gland
Functions in sensory perception, emotions, willed movements, consciousness, and memory
-Largest and most superior portion of the brain
Cerebrum
Functions in carrying impulses to and from the brain
-Inside the spinal cavity
-Extends from the occipital bone to the bottom of the first lumbar vertebrae
Spinal cord
The three layers of membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.
1. Tough outer layer
2. Middle layer
3. Innermost layer
Meninges
1. Dura mater
2. Arachnoid mater
3. Pia mater
Cleat liquid that fills the subarachnoid spaces and ventricles in the brain and in the spinal cord
-Circulating fluid produces in the ventricles
-Function is to provide nutrients and prevent injury
-Filters waste products out of the brain so the nervous system can function properly
-Circulating throughout the brain, subarachnoid spaces, spinal cord, and ventricles
Cerebrospinal fluid
12 paired nerves located on the back of the brain
-Generally function in taste, smell, hearing, feeling sensations, and making facial expressions
-Conduct impulses between the brain and the structures in the head, neck and torso
Cranial nerves
Specific cranial nerve
Smelling
Olfactory
Specific cranial nerve
Vision
Optic
Specific cranial nerve
Eye movements
-Oculomotor
-Trochlear
-Abducens
Specific cranial nerve
Sensations of the face, scalp, and teeth (chewing)
Trigeminal
Specific cranial nerve
Taste, facial expressions
Facial
Specific cranial nerve
Hearing, sense of balance
Vestibulocochlear
Specific cranial nerve
Sensations of the throat, taste, swallowing movements, secretion of saliva
Glossopharyngeal
Specific cranial nerve
Sensations of the throat / abdominal organs, voice production, slowing heartbeat, peristalsis
Vagus
Specific cranial nerve
Shoulder movements, turning head
Accessory
Specific cranial nerve
Tongue movements
Hypoglossal
31 pairs of nerves that function in conducting impulses between the spinal cord and the parts of the body not supplied by the cranial nerves making sensations and movements possible
-No special names
-Attach to spinal cord
Spinal nerves
How many nerves attach to each segment of the spine?
-8 attach to the cervical segment
-12 attach to the thoracic segment
-5 attach to the lumbar segment
-5 attach to the sacral segment
-1 attached to the coccygeal segment
