Week One - Introduction

Question 1

Why is it important for SLT’s to have knowledge in neuroscience?

Answer 1

• The nervous system drives human behaviour
• The NS plays a role in many disorders SLT’s work with
• Helps with the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders
• Allows us to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team

Question 2

What are some conditions related to neuroscience that SLT’s work with?

Answer 2

• Parkinson’s Disease
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Multiple sclerosis

Question 3

What structures comprise the CNS?

Answer 3

The brain and the spinal cord

Question 4

What consists of the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 4

The PNS consists of sensory and motor fibres that run to and from the CNS

Question 5

How many cranial nerves are there?

Answer 5

12 pairs that emerge from the base of the brain

Question 6

How many spinal nerves are there?

Answer 6

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that emerge between the vertebrae

The spinal nerves are named after the region form which they emerge

Question 7

Role of the somatic nervous system

Answer 7

• Voluntary actions

- Innervates skeletal musculature

Question 8

Role of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 8

-Innervates internal organs and other visceral structures
-Automatic actions
= visceromotor system

Question 9

What is the sympathetic system

Answer 9

• a division in the autonomic nervous system
• in sympathy with emotions
• fight or flight
• dilated pupils, dry mouth, fast heart rate, inhibited digestion, dilated airways

Question 10

What is the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 10

• A division in the autonomic nervous system
• rest and digest
• constricted pupils, salivation, decreased heart rate, simulated digestion, constricted airways

Question 11

What are the cells of the nervous system?

Answer 11

• Neurons
• Neuroglia
• Grey and white matter

Question 12

What are the three different types of neurons?

Answer 12

Afferent neurons

• Carry nerve impulses towards the CNS
• Termed ‘sensory neurons’ is reserved for neurons carrying information that is to be consciously perceived

Efferent neurons

• Carry nerve impulses away from the CNS
• The term ‘motor neuron’ is reserved for neurons involved in pathways concerned with voluntary movements

Association neurons

• Transform sensory inputs into appropriate motor responses
• The majority of neurons fall into this category

Question 13

What are the three types of neuroglia?

Answer 13

Astrocytes

• main type
• structural support, metabolic functions and regulate the passage of molecules between the bloodstream and the CNS

Oligodendrocytes (in CNS) and Schwann cells (in PNS)
-Wrap axons in myelin sheath to increase speed of conduction

Microglia

Question 14

Can Neuroglia cells undergo cell division?

Answer 14

Yes, unlike neurons.

Question 15

What mainly comprises grey matter?

Answer 15

Mainly cell bodies, dendrites and synapses

Question 16

What comprises white matter?

Answer 16

Nerve fibres with lipid rich myelin sheaths

Question 17

In the CNS:

• Collection of neuronal cell bodies
• Bundle of axons with a common point of origin and termination
• 2 or more tracts running in company

Answer 17

=nucleus
=tract
=fasciculus

Question 18

In the PNS:

• Collection of neuronal cell bodies
• Bundle of cell axons

Answer 18

=ganglion

=nerve

Question 19

What is the function of the PNS?

Answer 19

To transmit nerve impulses to and from the brain and the spinal cord

Question 20

What is the function of the CNS?

Answer 20

It is the main integrating and decision making centre of the nervous system

Question 21

Where does ultimate control of the autonomic nervous system reside?

Answer 21

In the hypothalamus