CNS anatomy
what is the outermost covering of CNS?
bone
The cervical plexus gives rise to this nerve that controls the diaphragm.
phrenic nerve
The gelatinous membrane resting atop the organ of Corti is called this.
tectorial membrane
what is the function of CSF?
cushioning and measuring chemical composition of plasma
The thalamus acts as a relay and filter for sensory information—except signals from this special sense, which bypass it entirely.
olfaction
what is the white matter of the cerebellum called?
arbor vitae
The lateral corticospinal tract decussates (crosses over) at this specific location.
pyramids of medulla oblongata
This region of the retina lacks photoreceptors entirely, creating the physiological “blind spot.”
optic disc
which part of the brain is needed to perceive sound?
temporal lobe
Describe how the hypothalamus integrates neural and endocrine control to maintain homeostasis.
it monitors blood chemistry and neural input, then secretes regulatory hormones to control the pituitary and autonomic centers governing temperature, appetite, arousal, and circadian rhythms
what does brainstem consists of?
pons, medulla oblongata, midbrain
Preganglionic sympathetic neurons originate in this specific region of the spinal cord.
lateral gray horn between T1 and L2
what are 3 separate spaces divided by cochlear duct and what type of lymph are they filled up by?
Scala vestibuli -perilymph
Scala tympani - perilymph
Cochlear duct - endolymph
what is the part of the cerebrum responsible for primary auditory part?
transverse gyrus
An increase in endolymph movement within the semicircular ducts bends the cupula, triggering these specific receptors to detect head rotation.
hair cells of the crista ampullaris
what is spinal cord consists of? 4 different parts
1. Fissures and grooves
2. Nerve roots
3. Grey matter
4. White matter
This nerve of the sacral plexus is the largest in the body and innervates the posterior thigh and leg.
Sciatic nerve
The utricle and saccule detect linear acceleration through the movement of these tiny calcium carbonate crystals.
otoliths
what is the primary function of thalamus?
Relay station for sensory impulses going to cerebrum
Describe the complete gustatory pathway from receptor activation to cortical perception.
taste chemical binds gustatory cell → action potential → facial (VII) or glossopharyngeal (IX) nerves → medulla → thalamus → parietal cortex for taste perception
describe all components of cerebrum
Cerebral Cortex: Frontal, Parietal, Occipital, Temporal lobe, insula, gyrus and sulcus, fissures and grooves.
Basal Nuclei: Caudate, amygdaloid, lentiform (Putamen and Pallidum).
Tracts: Projection, Association, Commissural tracts.
what is the difference between dorsal and ventral rami?
both has somatic sensory and motor and ventral has autonomic fibers.
The organ of Corti rests on this membrane and contains the hair cells for hearing.
basilar membrane
what is the function of Broca's area? what about Wernicke's area?
production of speech; comprehension of speech and understanding.
During a sympathetic response, explain the pathway from spinal cord origin to effector and identify the neurotransmitters released at each synapse.
preganglionic neuron in T1–L2 lateral horn → sympathetic chain or collateral ganglion → postganglionic neuron → effector; neurotransmitters are acetylcholine at the ganglion and norepinephrine at the effector