Unit 1- Overview of Anatomy of the NS

Question 1

Define neurons?

Answer 1

Specialized in transmitting messages between the brain and other parts of the body; nerve cells

Question 2

Define dendrites

Answer 2

Conduct impulses toward the cell body

Question 3

Define axon

Answer 3

Conduct impulses away from the cell body

Question 4

Define myelin sheath

Answer 4

Insulating covering that surrounds an axon

Question 5

Define schwann cell

Answer 5

Form myelin sheath around nerve fibres in the PNS

Question 6

Define oligodendrocytes

Answer 6

Produce myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the CNS

Question 7

Define sensory nerves

Answer 7

Carries information to the brain; afferent

Question 8

Define motor nerves

Answer 8

Carries information from the brain; efferent

Question 9

Define interneurons

Answer 9

Connect sensory and motor neurons; connecting neurons

Question 10

2 main areas of the CNS

Answer 10

Brain and spinal cord

Question 11

4 main areas of the brains

Answer 11

• Cerebral Hemispheres or Cerebrum
• Diencephalon
• Brain stem
• Cerebellum

Question 12

4 lobes of the brain and the key function

Answer 12

• Frontal lobe: reasoning, higher level cognition and planning
• Parietal lobe: perception and processing sensory information
• Temporal lobe: auditory (hearing) and understanding language
• Occipital lobe: visual processing

Question 13

2 main areas of diencephalon

Answer 13

• Thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus

- Centre of the brain

Question 14

Cerebellum location

Answer 14

• Underlying occipital and temporal lobe
• Posterior aspect of the brain
• Behind the brain stem

Question 15

3 parts of the brainstem

Answer 15

• Pons
• Medulla oblongata
• Midbrain

Question 16

Role of the cerebral cortex

Answer 16

• Thoughts and movements

Question 17

Function of 2 main areas of the diencephalon

Answer 17

• Thalamus: relay station for sensory impulses
• Hypothalamus:
  –> Helps control body temperature
  –> Control metabolism
  –> Controls emotion such as thirst, appetite,
  attraction, and pleasure

Question 18

2 important functions of cerebellum

Answer 18

Controls posture and balance

Question 19

What does the brainstem do?

Answer 19

Regulate basic life functions

Question 20

What are the extent and the function of the spinal cord?

Answer 20

• Extend from medulla oblongata of brain stem to between L1 and L2 vertebrae
• Transmission of impulses between the brain and the rest of the body

Question 21

Define PNS

Answer 21

Nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord

Eg. cranial and spinal nerves

Question 22

Function of 2 parts of the PNS

Answer 22

• Autonomic nervous system: regulates involuntary actions such as breathing and digestion
• Somatic nervous system: regulates voluntary action and body reflexes

Question 23

How many pairs of cranial nerves and where are they located?

Answer 23

• 12 pairs

- Located in brain stem

Question 24

How many pairs of spinal nerves?

Answer 24

• 31 pairs

Question 25

Define nerve root

Answer 25

Bundle of nerve fibres existing in spinal cord

Question 26

Define spinal nerves

Answer 26

Combination of dorsal and ventral roots

Question 27

Define peripheral nerves

Answer 27

Spinal nerve distal to nerve root and plexus

Question 28

Types of peripheral nerves

Answer 28

• Sensory; afferent
• Motor; efferent
• Mixed nerves