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What are the 3 functions of the nervous system?
1. Detect and respond to changes inside and outside the body.
2. Helps coordinate / control vital aspects of body function.
3. Helps maintain homeostasis.
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Into what two systems do we organise the nervous system?
- CNS (Central Nervous System).
- PNS (Peripheral Nervous System).
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What does the CNS consist of?
Brain, spinal cord.
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What does the PNS consist of?
Everything that runs off the spinal cord.
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Motor neurones do what?
AKA Efferent nerves - they elicit responses by transmitting impules from the CNS to the body.
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Sensory neurons do what?
AKA Afferent nerves - the transmit impulses from the body to the CNS, thereby eliciting a response.
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What part of the brain is the cerebrum?
The largest, uppermost part of the brain.
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The cerebrum is divided into two large what?
Hemispheres.
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The outer part of the cerebrum is called what? And is made up of what matter?
Cerebral cortex, made up of grey matter.
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The cerebrum is divided into what 4 areas?
Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, Occipital lobes.
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How much does the brain weigh?
c1.2 kg, or 2%.
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Where does the brain lie?
In the cranium, covered by the cranial vault.
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How much of the body’s oxygen does the brain use?
20%
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What does the diencephalon do?
Connects the cerebrum to the brain stem, and contains the thalamus and hypothalamus.
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Name me a function of the thalamus?
Pain recognition, touch, temperature, relays info from special senses.
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Name me a function of the hypothalamus?
Controls apetite and thirst, body temperature, emotions, circadian rhythms, sexual behaviour, child rearing.
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What does the cerebellum control?
Smooth movement, posture, balance, coordination.
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The brain stem comprises of what 3 areas?
Mid-brain, Pons Varoli, Medulla Oblongata.
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What does the mid brain do?
Relays information between different brain parts.
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What does the pons Varolii do?
Relays with the cerebellum, and also helps regulation.
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Name the 3 functions of the medulla oblongata?
Houses the cardiovascular centre, the respiratory centre, and reflex centre (vomit, coughing etc).
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Where is the decussation of pyramids and explain what happens here?
In the medulla oblongata. This is where the motor neurone pathways cross over so the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa.
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Describe the spinal cord?
It is continuous with the medulla, extends to L1-L2, and is 45cm long.
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Injury to the spinal cord may result in what?
Paralysis, paraplegia, quadriplegia, monoplegia.
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What are the meninges?
3 layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.
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What do the meninges cover?
The brain and spinal cord.
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What are the 3 layers of the meninges called?
Dura Mater (tough double layer). Followed by the subdural space.
Arachnoid Mater (thin web like layer). Followed by the subarachnoid space.
Pia Mater (delicate layer, adhering to brain and spinal cord with multiple blood vessels).
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Describe the ‘dura, arachnoid and pia’ maters and what order are they in?
Dura Mater (tough double layer). Followed by the subdural space.
Arachnoid Mater (thin web like layer). Followed by the subarachnoid space.
Pia Mater (delicate layer, adhering to brain and spinal cord with multiple blood vessels).
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How many ventricles of the brain are there?
4
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What circulates around the ventricles of the brain?
CSF - Cerebrospinal Fluid.
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What colour is the CSF?
Clear, straw-like.
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What 4 things does the CSF do?
1. Exchanges nutrients and waste.
2. Acts as a cushion / shock absorber.
3. Lubricates.
4. Maintains a uniform pressure.
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How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?
12
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How many pairs of spinal nerves are there?
31
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Describe the ANS
Autonomic Nervous System - part of the PNS, that works automatically without conscious control.
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The ANS is divided into what 2 divisions?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic.
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Parasympathetic activity does what?
Slows us down. For resting and digestion.
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Sympathetic activity does what?
"Fight or flight" - speeds everything up.
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Is the ANS under conscious control?
No.
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Cervical nerves 3, 4 and 5 do what?
Controls the impulses to the diaphragm.
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Name some functions that are controlled by the ANS?
BP, Digestion, Breathing, Blinking, Metabolism.
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What are the two types of peripheral nerves?
- Motor (efferent).
- Sensory (afferent).
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Sensory nerves do what?
Transmit impulses FROM the body TO the CNS.
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Motor nerves do what?
Transmit impulses TO the body, from the CNS.
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Can nerve cells regenerate?
No, but axons can be reattached.
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