Brain Anatomy

Question 1

Sensory neurons

Answer 1

AKA afferent neurons

Transmit sensory info from receptors to the spinal cord and brain

Question 2

Motor neurons

Answer 2

AKA efferent neurons

Transmit motor info from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.

Question 3

Interneurons

Answer 3

Found between other neurons. Located predominantly in the brain and spinal cord and are often linked to reflexive behavior.

Question 4

Central Nervous System

Answer 4

Composed of brain and spinal cord

Question 5

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 5

Made up of nerve tissue and fibers outside of the brain and spinal cord. Can be subdivided into somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

Question 6

Somatic nervous system

Answer 6

Consists of sensory and motor neurons throughout the skin, joints, and muscles.

Question 7

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 7

Manages the involuntary muscles associated with many internal glands and organs (regulates heartbeat, respiration, temperature control, digestion, glandular secretions).
Subdivisions of parasympathetic and sympathetic

Question 8

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 8

Conserve energy. Slows heart rate and increases digestion. Constricts pupils and bronchi.
Acetylcholine = neurotransmitter

Question 9

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer 9

Activated by stress. Increases heart rate, increases blood glucose concentration, releases epinephrine into bloodstream, dilates eyes to maximize light intake.
Epi and norepi = NT

Question 10

Meninges

Answer 10

Thick sheath of connective tissue that covers the brain. Has three layers; the dura matter, the arachnoid matter, and the Pia matter.

Question 11

Three main divisions of brain

Answer 11

Forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain

Question 12

Brainstem

Answer 12

The hindbrain + midbrain

Question 13

Forebrain structures

Answer 13

Cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus

Question 14

Midbrain structures

Answer 14

Inferior and superior colliculi

Question 15

Hindbrain structures

Answer 15

Cerebellum, medulla oblongota, reticular formation

Question 16

Functions of hindbrain

Answer 16

Controls balance, motor coordination, breathing, digestion, and general arousal such as sleeping and waking.
Manages vital functions for survival.

Question 17

Medulla oblongata

Answer 17

Develops from myelencephalon.

Regulates vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Question 18

Pons

Answer 18

Develops from metencephalon.

Contains sensory and motor pathways between the cortex and the medulla.

Question 19

Cerebellum

Answer 19

Helps maintain posture and balance and coordinate body movements. Damage to cerebellum causes clumsiness, slurred speech, and loss of balance.

Question 20

Superior colliculus

Answer 20

Receives visual sensory input -> involuntary reflex

Question 21

Inferior colliculus

Answer 21

Receives sensory info from the auditory system -> involuntary reflex

Question 22

White matter

Answer 22

consists of axons encased in myelin sheaths

Question 23

Grey matter

Answer 23

consists of unmyelinated cell bodies and dendrites

Question 24

Cerebrum

Answer 24

A portion of the brain that contains the cerebral cortex, limbic system, and basal ganglia.