Responsible for triggering the electrical charge which diffuses across the synapse gap between neurons
neurotransmitters
A type of neuron/nerve impulse traveling to the spinal cord and brain
Sensory or Afferent
Accounts for 40%; made up of cell bodies, dendrites, and axon terminals
gray matter
Damage to this portion of the brain can cause death
What is Brainstem?
Foramen in the cranium allow for the passage of these. (need to state what AND how many)
cranial nerves, 12 pair
Structures in this system connect the CNS to muscles and other parts of the body such as muscles and glands
Peripheral Nervous System
The type of nerve responsible for sending nerve impulses from the brain to muscles and glands
Efferent or motor
The thalamus, hypothalamus, and pineal body are found in this portion of the brain located between the brainstem and cerebrum
diencephalon
The portion responsible for hearing and visual reflexes
These connect the spinal cord with the body (Need to state what AND how many)
Spinal nerves, 31 pairs
Supporting tissue that binds nervous tissue but does NOT transmit nerve impulses
neuroglia
Fluid filled cavities within the brain that are filled with CSF
Ventricles
The bundle of spinal nerves is called
cauda equine (resembles horse tail)
Responsible for relaying information from the cerebrum and cerebellum. Means "bridge". Also responsible for breathing, swallowing, and balance.
What is pons?
The space where an intrathecal injection or lumbar puncture is performed
subarachnoid
Name four functions of the nervous system
Voluntary and Involuntary Movement
maintains homeostasis
human traits
thinking
emotions
Name and describe two types of efferent nerve impulses
Somatomotor- voluntary; skeletal muscle contractions
Autonomic- involuntary; cardiac and smooth muscle contractions and gland secretions
Name the four main parts of the brain
Cerebrum, Diencephalon, Brainstem, and Cerebellum
Most inferior portion that ends at the magnum foramen; Responsible for heart rate, blood vessel diameter, breathing, and swallowing
Medulla Oblongata
Specialized cells in the ventricles that secrete CSF
choroid plexuses
Name and describe the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system
Sympathetic- "Fight or flight", adrenaline, increased energy, heart rate and respirations; decrease in digestion
Parasympathetic- Vegetative functions such as digestion, defecation, and urination
Name the five lobes of the cerebrum
frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula
The thick nerve tract made up of white matter that divides the two hemispheres of the cerebrum
corpus callosum
Name the three divisions of the brainstem
What are the Medulla Oblongata, Pons, Midbrain
State and describe the three coverings of the brain and spinal cord
Pia Mater- innermost layer; delicate
Arachnoid- middle layer
Dura Mater- tough; outer layer