Week 6 + Workshop 4: NS > CNS Flashcards
Central Nervous System (CNS) structures
Brain + Spinal cord
Nervous System is split into
CNS (Central Nervous System)
PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) contains
All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
brain nerves
spinal nerves
Central nervous System (CNS) Function
primary command centre for the body processing:
-higher order cognitive functions
-Integrative and control centres/ - signals
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Function
Connects the CNS to the Peripheral organs and muscles
- somatic
- automatic
Nervous System Function
Communication!
- collect: external
- process (logic+planning)
- respond
CNS tissue is divided into
White + grey matter
CNS grey matters comprises of
Neuron cell bodies and their dendrites, glial cells and capillaries
Brain grey matter is found
in the outer layers
White matter refers to the areas of the CNS which host the majority of
Axons
Axons are
long cords that extend from the neurons
A neuron has 3 main parts
dendrites, cell body or soma and axon
Label the features of a typical neuron
Soma (cell body)
Dendrites
Axons are wrapped in
Myelin sheath
The primary functional unit of the nervous system is a
Neuron/ nerve cell
Divisions of the central nervous system
Most axons are coated in myelin a white fatty insulating cover that helps nerve signals
travel quickly and reliably
In the spinal cord white matter is the
external layer surrounding the grey core
The CNS is the
Processing centre of the brain and the brain is its headquarters
The brain is broadly organised into 3 main regions
Forebrain
Midbrain
Hind braind
The Forebrain aka Cerebrum is the
Outer most layer cerbral cortex
and smaller structures towards the centre:
thalamus
hypothalamus
pineal gland
Encephalon from embriology means
The Brain
The lobes of the brain are divided into
Gyri (bumps - increase surface area)
Sulcus (grooves or fissures)
The frontal lobe is seperated from parietal lobe by the
Central Sulcus
The frontal lobe is seperated by the temporal lobe by the
Lateral Sulcus
3 main fibre traits of white matter in the telencephalon “the brain” are grouped by the direction of fibres/tracts
Projection fibres
Association fibres
commissural fibres
Encelephalon “The Brain” is divided into specific parts =
Telencephalon > Cerebrum + Basal Nuclei
Diencephalon > Thalamus + Hypothalamus
Cerebellum
Brain Stem > Mid brain, Pons, Medulla
+spinal cord
White matter in the brain =
Myelintated axons
The cerebrum consits of two hemispheres
Right and Left
Telencephalon is latin for
Cerebrum
White matter can be Association fibres connect
structures in the same hemisphere
Projection fibres
Inferior and superior movements
Commissural fibres
travel left to right hemisphere
The left and right hemisphere is seperated by the
Longitudinal fissure
What forms the Basal Nuclei (3 smaller structures) deep inside “The Brain”
Hippocampus
Amygdala
Striatrum
Hippocampus (pair-one in each hemisphere ) location + function
Brains temporal lobe + where new memories are formed, spatial orientation
Amygdala location + function
Almond shaped mass responsible for emotional responses - pleasure, fear, anxiety, rage.
Striatum function
Motor movement, pattern, more complex movement
Function of the Thalamus
Prime processing centre for information - prevents or enhances the passage of information
All sensory information except olfactory passes through the thalamus before reaching the cortex
Relays information from basal nuclei & cerebullum
Also controls sleep
What is the function of the limbic system?
Interconnected brain structures that help regulate emotions and behaviour, motivators and memory & automatic nervous systems
- produces natural instincts e.g. hunger, thrist, care, fight or flight
What are the four components of the limbic system
Hippocampus
Amygdala
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Where is the limbic system located?
deep in the brain
above brainstem and underneath cerebal cortex
Location of Thalamus
Two lobes of grey matter under the cerebal cortex Birds head
Location of Hypothalamus
Quite small (size of an almond)
Under the Thalamus = Birds beak
Function of Hypothalamus
Major control centre of the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System)
Cardiac function, respiration and reflexes such as vomitting, coughing and sneezing
Autonmic Nervous System (ANS) is divided into
Sympathetic - fight or flight
Parasympathetic - rest and relax
The brainstem comprises of
Midbrain
Pons
Medulla
The brainstem is the origin of most
Cranial nerves (PNS)
The forth ventricle is located between
Pons and the Cerebellum
Brainstem function
Most important parts of the entire central nervous system because it connects the brain and the spinal cord
The midbrains function
vital connection between the forebrain and hindbrain
it is the top most part of the brainstem
connection between the brain and spinal cord
Connects the thalamus
The hindbrain includes most of the brainstem and comprimes of the
Pons
Medulla
Cerebellum