The Nervous System

• The nervous system comprises vast numbers of units called what?

  Neurons
• What consists of a nerve cell and its processes, axons and dendrites?

  Neurones
• What do neurons consist of?

  nerve cell

  dendrites

  axons
• Commonly referred to as nerves.

  Some initiate nerve impulses, others act as “relay stations” where impulses are passed on or re-directed?

  Neurones
• They form the grey matter of the nervous system and are found at the periphery of the brain, in the centre of the spinal cord, in ganglia, and as single cells in organ walls?

  Nerve cells
• extensions of the nerve cells which form the white matter of the nervous system?

  Axons and dendrites
• They are referred to as nerve fibres outside the brain and spinal cord?

  axons and dendrites
• The central nervous system consists of?

  Brain

  spinal cord
• Situated in the cranial cavity, this is the main area where nerves come together?

  Brain
• The largest part of the brain. It comprises two hemispheres, consisting mainly of nerve cell bodies.

  Deep within the brain, the hemispheres are connected by a mass of nerve fibres (white matter)?

  cerebrum
• What are the main functions of the cererbum?

  mental activities

  sensory perceptions

  control of voluntary muscle contraction
• For descriptive purposes each hemisphere of the cerebrum is divided into what?

  lobes
• How many lobes in the cerebrum?

  4
• What are the lobes in the cerebrum called?

  frontal

  occipital

  parietal

  temporal
• What are the lobes in the cerebrum separated by?

  furrows or fissures called sulci
• A group of nerve cells situated in the cerebrum, immediately above the pituitary gland?

  Hypothalamus
• What controls the release of pituitary hormones?

  Hypothalamus
• What is situated immediately below the posterior portion of the cerebrum?

  cerebellum
• Part of the brain associated with co-ordination of voluntary muscular movements, posture and balance, it allows people to carry out very precise actions?

  cerebellum
• Extends down the vertebral canal as far as the first lumbar vertebra. It is surrounded by the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid and is the main link between the brain and other parts of the body?


  spinal cord
• What surrounds the spinal cord?

  meninges and cerebrospinal fluid
• What are the 3 meninges?

  dura mater

  arachnoid mater

  pia mater
• The membranes which cover and protect the brain and spinal cord are collectively known as?

  meninges
• The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by a watery fluid which cushions and protects these vital organs called what?

  cerebrospinal fluid
• This is secreted continuously into each ventricle of the brain, but the amount around the spinal cord remains constant, as absorption keeps pace with secretion?

  Cerebrospinal fluid
• Within the brain there are four irregular shaped cavities, containing cerebro- spinal fluid know as the what?

  ventricles
• What are the ventricles in the brain called?

  right and left lateral, third, and fourth
• The peripheral nervous system comprises:

  31 pairs of spinal nerves

  12 pairs of cranial nerves

  The autonomic part of the nervous system.
• How many spinal nerves are there?

  31 pairs
• How many cranial nerves are there?

  12 pairs
• Arise from both sides of the spinal cord and emerge through the intervertebral foramina. Each of them is formed by the union of a motor and sensory nerve root?

  spinal nerve
• What type of nerve are spinal nerves?

  Mixed nerves
• Nerve that conducts away from a centre and causes contraction of muscle or secretion of glands?

  motor nerve
• Nerve that perceives sensation such as pain, touch, or pressure, and conducts them toward a centre?

  Sensory nerve
• 12 pairs of cranial nerves are:

  I. Olfactory (sensory)

  II. Optic (sensory)

  III. Oculomotor (motor)

  IV. Trochlear (motor)

  V. Trigeminal (mixed)

  VI. Abducent (motor)

  VII. Facial (mixed)

  VIII. Vestibulocochlear (auditory)(sensory)

  IX. Glossopharyngeal (mixed)

  X. Vagus (mixed)

  XI. Accessory (motor)

  XII. Hypoglossal (motor)
• Involuntary part of the nervous system, controls the automatic functions of the body?

  autonomic nervous system
• The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts?

  Sympathetic

  parasympathetic
• The sympathetic portion of the autonomic system leaves the central nervous system at the?

  thoracolumbar region
• It stimulates heart action, constricts blood vessels in the head, dilates pupils, dilates skeletal blood vessels, and increases the secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Functions in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts are decreased?

  Sympathetic Nervous System
• The parasympathetic portion of the autonomic system leaves the central nervous system at the?

  cranial and sacral regions of the spine