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1. List the two main divisions of the nervous system.

2. What is a synapse?
3. Identify two types of peripheral nerves.
4. List the two types of spinal nerves and describe their functions.
5. What is the purpose or function of the autonomic nervous system?
6. Name the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, explaining their actions.
7. List the five divisions of the brain and identify what function each division provides
8. List the lobes of the cerebrum and their associated functions.
9. List the two structures between the cerebrum and the midbrain, describing their functions.
Chapter 40 and 7: Mental Health and The Nervous
System
Medical Assisting Administrative & Clinical Competencies 9th Edition
10. List the three meninges, describing their characteristics as given in the text.
11. What are the spaces called between the (a) dura mater and the arachnoid and (b) the
arachnoid and the pia mater?
12. Name the fluid within the cavities of the CNS and describe its function.

1 answer

  1. The two main divisions of the nervous system:

    • Central Nervous System (CNS)
    • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  2. What is a synapse?

    • A synapse is the junction between two neurons where the transmission of signals occurs. It is the site where neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and bind to receptors on another neuron, facilitating communication between cells.

  3. Two types of peripheral nerves:

    • Sensory (Afferent) Nerves: Carry sensory information from the body to the CNS.
    • Motor (Efferent) Nerves: Transmit motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

  4. Two types of spinal nerves and their functions:

    • Cervical Nerves: These spinal nerves control movements and sensations in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
    • Lumbar Nerves: Involved in controlling the lower body, including the legs and pelvic organs.

  5. Purpose or function of the autonomic nervous system:

    • The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, digestion, and sexual arousal, providing automatic control of bodily functions.

  6. Two divisions of the autonomic nervous system:

    • Sympathetic Nervous System: Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stress, increasing heart rate and energy mobilization.
    • Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes 'rest and digest' activities, helping to conserve energy and restore body functions to a state of calm.

  7. Five divisions of the brain and their functions:

    • Cerebrum: Responsible for higher brain functions, including thought, memory, and voluntary movement.
    • Cerebellum: Coordinates muscle movements, balance, and posture.
    • Brainstem: Controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
    • Diencephalon: Regulates homeostasis, including temperature and thirst; includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.
    • Limbic System: Involved in emotions, memory, and motivation.

  8. Lobes of the cerebrum and their associated functions:

    • Frontal Lobe: Responsible for reasoning, problem-solving, planning, and motor function.
    • Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information related to touch, temperature, pain, and spatial orientation.
    • Temporal Lobe: Involved in auditory processing, memory, and language comprehension.
    • Occipital Lobe: Primarily responsible for visual processing.

  9. Two structures between the cerebrum and the midbrain:

    • Thalamus: Acts as a relay station for sensory information, channeling it to the appropriate areas of the brain.
    • Hypothalamus: Regulates homeostasis, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and circadian rhythms.

  10. Three meninges and their characteristics:

    • Dura Mater: The outermost thick and tough protective layer that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
    • Arachnoid Mater: The middle layer that is web-like and acts as a barrier, protecting the CNS and allowing for the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
    • Pia Mater: The innermost delicate layer that closely adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord, containing blood vessels that supply nutrients to the CNS.

  11. Spaces between the meninges:

    • (a) The space between the dura mater and arachnoid is called the subdural space.
    • (b) The space between the arachnoid and pia mater is called the subarachnoid space.

  12. Fluid within the cavities of the CNS:

    • The fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Its primary function is to cushion and protect the brain and spinal cord, provide buoyancy, and facilitate the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the brain and the bloodstream.