Functional Anatomy of the Nervous System

Question 1

What are the 4 main regions of the brain?

Answer 1

• Cerebrum
• Thalamus
• Hypothalamus
• Cerebellum

Question 1

What does the brain develop from?

Answer 1

The embryonic neural tube

Question 2

What are the primary functions of the cerebrum?

Answer 2

• Initiation of voluntary movement
• Sensory perception
• Memory, integration and planning
• Personality
  (Movement, memory, sense, self)

Question 3

What are the main functions of the thalamus?

Answer 3

Sensory input and outgoing commands
Regulation of consciousness, sleep and alertness.

Question 4

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 4

Controls homeostatic functions

Question 5

What is the function of the medulla oblongata?

Answer 5

To help with breathing, circulation and vomiting.

Question 6

What is the function of the midbrain?

Answer 6

To help coordinate reflex responses to sight and sound.

Question 7

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Answer 7

Helps with proprioception, posture and coordination (+ balance)

Question 8

How many cranial nerves are there?

Answer 8

12

Question 9

How do the spinal nerves exit the vertebral column?

Answer 9

They exit in between the vertebrae in intervertebral foramen.

Question 10

What is the cauda equina?

Answer 10

The point at which the vertebral column stops and the spinal cord keeps going.

Question 11

Why do we see enlargements in the cervical and lumbar spinal cord?

Answer 11

• This is where nerves to the limbs arise
• From the brachial plexus and lumbosacral plexus.

Question 12

How are the nerves named in relation to the vertebrae?

Answer 12

Nerves exit cranial to their corresponding vertebrae until you reach the thoracic region at which point the nerves enter caudally to their corresponding vertebrae.

Question 13

What are bundles of neurones called in the CNS?

Answer 13

Tracts

Question 14

What are bundles of neurones called in the PNS?

Answer 14

Nerves

Question 15

What is the difference in myelination between nerves in the CNS and in the PNS?

Answer 15

• Axons in the PNS are myelinated by separate Schwann cells.
• Axons in the CNS have arms of myelin-forming oligodendrocytes

Question 16

What is grey matter made of?

Answer 16

Neuronal cell bodies

Question 17

What is white matter made of?

Answer 17

Myelinated axons of neurones

Question 18

What is the name for clusters of cell bodies within white matter?

Answer 18

Nuclei

Question 19

What is the difference between tracts and nerves?

Answer 19

• Nerves are bundles of axons outside the spinal cord
• Tracts are bundles of axons inside the spinal cord

Question 20

What is the function of astrocytes?

Answer 20

• Provide structural and functional support for the nervous system
• Absorb excess neurotransmitters
• Help to form the blood-brain barrier.

Question 21

What are microglia and what is their function?

Answer 21

• They are specialised macrophages
• They help to clear up foreign agents in the nervous system

Question 22

What are the 3 meninges helping to protect the brain?

Answer 22

• Dura mater
• Arachnoid mater
• Pia mater

Question 23

How does the blood-brain barrier protect the brain?

Answer 23

Tight junctions between the cells stop substances from passing between cells.

Question 24

What are the 3 main functions of the cerebrospinal fluid?

Answer 24

1) Cushioning impact 2) Buoyancy 3) Some nourishment

Question 25

What is the ventricular system?

Answer 25

The system of cavities within the CNS.

Question 26

Where is CSF secreted from?

Answer 26

Secreted by ependymal cells and choroid plexus.

Question 27

Where does the CSF circulate through?

Answer 27

- Circulates through brain ventricles, central canal of spinal cord and subarachnoid space. - CSF is eventually reabsorbed into the blood.

Question 28

How does the brain get its blood supply?

Answer 28

Blood is pooled into the cerebral arterial circle (circle of Willis) before distribution to the brain

Question 29

What is different about dogs and horses in terms of their blood supply to the brain?

Answer 29

Dogs and horses supply their cerebral arterial circle via the carotid artery but in other species it comes from the external carotid - maxillary artery.

Question 30

What does the CNS consist of?

Answer 30

The brain and spinal cord

Question 31

What does the PNS consist of?

Answer 31

Cranial nerve, spinal nerves and ganglia.

Question 32

What are the alternative names for afferent and efferent nerves?

Answer 32

- Afferents can be called sensory neurones or ascending neurones (when they run through the spinal cord) - Efferents can be called motor neurones or descending neurones (in spinal cord).

Question 33

What are special afferents associated with?

Answer 33

Special senses such as vision, hearing and balance.

Question 34

What is the difference between the somatic and visceral nervous system?

Answer 34

Somatic is the voluntary nervous system Visceral is the involuntary nervous system