Neuroanatomy

• What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

  The brain and spinal cord
• What is the main function of the CNS?

  It is the main integrating and decision-making center
• What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consist of?

  Sensory and motor nerves
• What type of decisions does the PNS deal with?

  Involuntary decisions, such as reflexes
• How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?

  12 pairs
• What is the function of cranial nerves?

  They aid in sensory and motor supply to the head
• How many pairs of spinal nerves are there?

  31 pairs
• What do spinal nerves give rise to?

  Numerous named peripheral nerves
• What are the two types of motor fibers in peripheral nerves?

  Skeletal muscle and smooth muscle
• What does somatic muscle refer to?

  Voluntary, conscious muscle
• What does autonomic muscle refer to?

  Involuntary, automatic muscle
• What does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) provide motor supply to?

  Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands
• What are the two divisions of the ANS?

  Sympathetic and parasympathetic
• How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems interact?

  They have opposing or complementary actions
• What effect does the sympathetic nervous system have on heart rate?

  It increases heart rate
• What effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on pupils?

  It constricts pupils
• How much does the human brain weigh?

  Approximately 1.3 kilograms
• What protects the human brain?

  The skull bones and meninges
• What are the main parts of the brain?

  Cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem
• What does the cerebrum consist of?

  Left and right cerebral hemispheres
• How do the cerebral hemispheres control the body?

  The left side controls the right side
• What functions do the cerebral hemispheres deal with?

  Sensation, movement, cognition, and emotions
• What connects the two cerebral hemispheres?

  The corpus callosum
• How many nerve fibers are in the corpus callosum?

  300 million nerve fibers
• What is the cerebellum also known as?

  Little brain
• What are the traditional motor functions of the cerebellum?

  Balance, coordination, and posture
• What modern functions does the cerebellum contribute to?

  Cognition, language, and emotional regulation
• What are the three parts of the brain stem?

  Midbrain, pons, and medulla
• What life support functions does the brain stem control?

  Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure
• What types of cells are in the nervous system?

  Neurons and glial cells
• How many neurons are approximately in the brain?

  86 million neurons
• What is the role of glial cells?

  Provide structural and metabolic support
• What are some types of glial cells?

  Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia
• What are Schwann cells?

  Glial cells in the PNS
• What are the main parts of a typical neuron?

  Cell body, nucleus, dendrites, axon
• What is the function of dendrites?

  Receive connections from other neurons
• What is the role of the axon in a neuron?

  Transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body
• What happens at the axon terminals?

  Neurotransmitters are released to influence other neurons
• What is the effect of neurotransmitters?

  They can be excitatory or inhibitory
• What do neurons connect to form?

  Neural circuits and complex networks