Chapter 8 (exam 2) Flashcards
(46 cards)
What is the functional arrangement of the nervous system?
The nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The PNS is further divided into the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS includes the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic divisions.
What is the function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Integrates, processes, and coordinates sensory data and motor commands. Includes the brain and spinal cord.
What is the function of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
Connects the CNS to limbs and organs, relaying information between the body and CNS.
What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
Regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and gland activity.
What is the function of the Somatic Nervous System?
Controls voluntary movements and conveys sensory information from the body to the CNS.
What is the function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?
Prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ response — increases heart rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion.
What is the function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
Promotes ‘rest and digest’ — slows heart rate, stimulates digestion, and conserves energy.
Compare and contrast Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic systems.
Sympathetic: thoracolumbar origin, short preganglionic/long postganglionic fibers, fast responses. Parasympathetic: craniosacral origin, long preganglionic/short postganglionic fibers, restorative, slower responses.
What are the protective structures of the CNS?
Skull, vertebral column, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the blood-brain barrier.
What are the meninges and their function?
Three layers: dura mater (tough outer layer), arachnoid mater (web-like middle layer), and pia mater (delicate inner layer). They protect the brain and spinal cord.
What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its function?
A fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, provides shock absorption, delivers nutrients, and removes waste.
Where is CSF located?
In the ventricles of the brain, the central canal of the spinal cord, and the subarachnoid space.
What is the blood-brain barrier?
A selective barrier formed by tight junctions in brain capillaries that limits passage of harmful substances while allowing oxygen and lipid-soluble molecules.
What are the functions of the cerebrum?
Controls higher brain functions like voluntary movement, sensory perception, reasoning, memory, and language.
Compare gray matter and white matter.
Gray matter: neuron cell bodies, unmyelinated. White matter: myelinated axons that transmit signals.
Where is the primary motor cortex located and what is its function?
In the frontal lobe; it controls voluntary skeletal muscle movement.
Where is the primary somatosensory area located and what is its function?
In the parietal lobe; it processes sensory input such as touch, pain, and temperature.
What is the function of association areas?
Integrate sensory and motor information; involved in learning, memory, decision-making, and emotion.
Where is the prefrontal cortex and what does it do?
Located in the anterior frontal lobe; responsible for reasoning, planning, personality, and behavior.
What is the thalamus and its function?
A relay station in the diencephalon that processes and directs sensory information (except smell) to the cerebral cortex.
What is the hypothalamus and its function?
Located below the thalamus; regulates homeostasis, links the nervous and endocrine systems, and controls the pituitary gland.
What is the function of the cerebellum?
Coordinates voluntary movement, balance, posture, and motor learning.
What is the function of the pons?
Bridges the cerebellum and cerebrum; helps regulate breathing.
What is the function of the medulla oblongata?
Controls vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
