Week 10: Nervous System P2 Flashcards
What are the 2 divisions that the nervous system is divided into?
- CNS
- PNS
What does the autonomic nervous system contain?
- sub-conscious reflexes
- sympathetic
- parasympathetic
What is a synapse?
Where the axon of one neurone meets either the dendrite or cell body of another neurone
What are the two different types of nerves?
Afferent and efferent
What comes under the term sensory nerves?
- somatic, cutaneous and common senses
- proprioceptor sense
- special senses
- autonomic afferent senses
What comes under the term motor nerves?
- somatic nerves
- autonomic nerves
What is a reflex?
A combination of sensory and motor signals through the spinal cord allowing rapid responses to possible damage to the body
What is contained within a spinal reflex?
- sensory receptor
- sensory neurones
- connect neurones in spinal cord
- lower motor neurones
- effector
What is dura mater?
Replaces periosteum in skull
What is arachnoid mater?
Fibrous tissue
What is Pia mater?
Delicate layer/ connective tissue
What are potential spaces?
Sub dural space and sub arachnoid space
What are the functions of the meninges?
- maintain the brains position in the cranial vault
- to protect the brain and spinal cord
- to absorb cerebrospinal fluid
What is the appearance of cerebrospinal fluid?
Clear, slightly alkaline fluid
What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid?
- protect brain and spinal cord against chemical/physical injury
- maintains uniform pressure
- acts as a cushion and shock absorber between the brain and cranial bones
keeps brains and spinal cord moist - nourishes and cleanses by washing away waste and toxic substance
- provides optimal environment for neuronal signalling
- provides buoyancy and support
\What are some of the functions of the cerebrum?
- mental activities
- higher centres sensory area
- perception of pain/senses
- motor fibres cross in medulla
- sensory areas
- motor areas
- ANS
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
- linked to posterior lobe of piturity gland
- controls hormones
- controls ANS
- appetite and satiety
- thirst/water
- body temp
etc
What does the cerebellum do?
Controls subconscious skeletal muscle contraction required for coordination, posture and balance. Assumes role in emotional development, modulating sensations of anger and pleasure
What does the mid brain do?
Acts as relay stations for ascending and descending nerve fibres
What does the pons varolli do?
Relays impulses within the brain and between parts of the brain and spinal cord
What does the medulla oblongata do?
Relays motor and sensory impulses between other parts of the brain and spinal cord
What is the role of the spinal cord?
It is continuous with medulla oblongata
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there?
31 pairs
What are the function of cranial nerves?
Relay sensory information such as the senses to specialised areas of the brain and for motor function and autonomic control
