Central nervous system

• What is the main focus of the 'Central nervous system' notes?

  Brain physiology
• What are the learning outcomes of the brain physiology notes?

  • Describe brain structure and protection
  • Functions of main brain structures
  • Divisions and functions of the autonomic nervous system
• What does intracranial pressure refer to?

  Pressure within the skull
• What is the role of cerebrospinal fluid?

  Cushions the brain and prevents pressure
• What does the sink effect do according to Hugh Davson?

  Washes waste materials from the brain
• What is the normal intracranial pressure (ICP) for adults?

  5 – 15 mm Hg
• What is the total volume of contents within the skull?

  1600 ml
• What does the Monroe-Kellie hypothesis state?

  Volume increase in one component raises pressure
• What happens when compliance is low in the skull?

  Small volume increases cause large ICP increases
• What are symptoms of intracranial hypertension in children?

  High-pitched cry and coordination difficulties
• What are the cell types of the blood-brain barrier?

  Neurovascular unit cells
• What are the depressions in the brain called?

  Sulci
• What is the full name of the medulla?

  Medulla Oblongata
• What is the function of the cerebellum?

  Coordination and balance
• What are the divisions of the forebrain?

  • Telencephalon: cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, limbic system
  • Diencephalon: thalamus, hypothalamus
• What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?

  Frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital
• What is the primary function of the temporal lobe?

  Auditory processing and memory
• What does the occipital lobe primarily process?

  Visual information
• What are the functions of the limbic system?

  • Amygdala: fear, socialization, mating
  • Hippocampus: memory and spatial orientation
• What is the role of the thalamus?

  Primary gate between sensory neurons and CNS
• What is the hypothalamus responsible for?

  Maintains homeostasis and regulates metabolism
• What is the central component of the autonomic nervous system?

  Hypothalamus
• What are the functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

  • Mediate neuro-humoral regulation
  • Prepare body for stress
  • Control muscles and glands
• What is the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) responsible for?

  Fight or flight response
• What does the SNS do during stress?

  Enhances physical and mental activity
• What neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the SNS?

  Adrenaline
• What are the receptors of the sympathetic nervous system?

  • Alpha receptors: Alpha 1, Alpha 2
  • Beta receptors: Beta 1, Beta 2, Beta 3
• What is the main neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)?

  Acetylcholine
• What are the functions of the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)?


  • Reduces energy production
  • Increases digestion and urine formation
  • Decreases alertness
• What is the PSNS often referred to as?

  The rest and digest system
• What is the role of nicotinic receptors in the PSNS?

  Excitatory in skeletal muscle and CNS
• What are muscarinic receptors primarily involved in?

  Mainly function in the viscera and CNS
• What is the development timeline of the CNS?

  • Brain development not complete at birth
  • Neuronal pruning occurs due to stimuli
  • Complete development around toddler age (1-3 years)
• What happens to the sympathetic nerve tone as a child grows?

  Starts maturing before parasympathetic tone
• What is the effect of the SNS on urine formation?

  Reduces urine formation
• What is the role of the adrenal medulla in the SNS?

  Secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline
• What is the primary function of the PSNS?

  Increases energy storage and digestion
• What is the effect of the PSNS on alertness?

  Decreases alertness
• What is the main function of muscarinic receptors?

  Function in the viscera and CNS
• What are the five subtypes of muscarinic receptors?

  M1, M2, M3, M4, M5