HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

JOURNAL QUESTIONS

UNIT THREE

Chapter 13: The Central Nervous System:
The Spinal Cord


  1. Describe the two basic functions of the spinal cord. (Starting on page 470)
  2. Describe the gross anatomy of the spinal cord. (See Spinal Cord Lab for terms you need to define)
  3. Describe the groups of spinal nerves. See pg.471, 508-509
  4. Describe the structure and function of the vertebral canal, the meninges, the epidural, subdural and subarachnoid space, and cerebrospinal fluid. Also see Fig. 12.30 and 12.31
  5. Define gray matter. Describe the organization of the gray matter
  6. Define the white matter. Describe the organization of the white matter.
  7. Contrast ascending and descending tracts. Know the importance of the lateral and anterior spinothalamic and fasciculus cuneatus ascending pathways. See pg. 477
  8. Know the importance of the direct (pyramidal) and indirect (extrapyramidal) motor pathways. Know the importance of the lateral and anterior corticospinal descending pathways.
  9. Discuss the structure and coverings of a typical spinal nerve: Use the terms endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium. See pg.498 Fig. 13.3
  10. Describe the branches of a spinal nerve. Include dorsal rami, ventral rami, and rami communicantes. See pg.510
  11. Define plexus. Know the four principle plexuses. Give their general distribution and one major nerve arising from each plexus. See pg. 509-516
  12. What is a reflex? What are the basic components of a reflex arc? See page 521-522
  13. Describe a stretch reflex. Describe a with flexor (withdrawal) reflex. Give examples of each type. See pg. 522-524
  14. Animation of Reflex Arc


Chapter 14 The Central Nervous System:
The Brain


  1. Overall How We Think
  2. What are the four subdivisions of the brain?
  3. What are ventricles? Name them and their interconnections.
  4. Describe the cerebral hemispheres. Include gyri, sulci and fissures. Describe the lobes the sulci or fissures separate. What are the three basic regions of the cerebral hemispheres?
  5. What is the cerebral cortex?
  6. Describe the motor areas of the cortex.
  7. Describe the sensory areas of the cortex.
  8. What are the association areas? What is the importance of the prefrontal cortex?
  9. Describe the three types of fibers found in the white matter of the cerebrum. What is the corpus callosum?
  10. What are the basal nuclei (ganglia)? What are their general functions?
  11. What are the functions of the thalamus?
  12. What are the seven major functions of the hypothalamus?
  13. Where is the epithalamus located? What gland is associated with the Epithalamus? What does it secrete?
  14. What are the three major regions of the brain stem?
  15. What are the functions of the mesencephalon or midbrain?
  16. What are the functions of the pons?
  17. What are the functions of the medulla oblongata? What are the pyramids? Why is the decussation of the pyramids important?
  18. What is the function of the cerebellum?
  19. What is the limbic system? What are its functions? What is the function of the amygdala and hippocampus?
  20. What is the reticular formation and where is it located? Why is it important?
  21. Interactive Review of Brain Anatomy
  22. Click on Nervous and try Brain 1 – 3 as Review
  23. What are the protections around the brain?
  24. Where is CSF formed? What is its function? What is the choroid plexus, arachnoid villi, and superior sagittal sinus? Describe the circulation pattern of CSF.
  25. What is the importance of the blood - brain barrier?
  26. Briefly describe the causes and symptom associated with Cerebrovascular Accidents (Strokes), Alzheimer's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease.
  27. Learn the 12 pairs of cranial nerves by name and number. Learn their general functions. See pg. 500-508
  28. Review Chart and Tutorial of Cranial Nerves
  29. Cranial Nerve Quiz

Chapter 15:
Autonomic Nervous System


  1. What are the effectors of the ANS?
  2. How does the motor neurons arrangement of SNS and ANS differ?
  3. What are the subdivisions of the ANS and their general functions?
  4. What does thoracolumbar and craniosacral divisions mean?
  5. What is meant by duel innervation?
  6. Define preganglionic and postganglionic fibers.
  7. Describe the Sympathetic Trunk (Chain or Paravertebral) ganglion. What 3 things can happen when a sympathetic preganglionic fiber reaches a ganglion? See Table 14.1
  8. Describe the Collateral (Prevertebral) ganglion.
  9. How is the adrenal medulla unusual?
  10. Name and describe the ganglia in the parasympathetic system. See Table 14.1
  11. Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic outflow? Which cranial nerve carries most of the parasympathetic flow? What organs does this nerve affect?
  12. What 2 neurotransmitters are released by the Autonomic Nervous System? What is meant by cholinergic and adrenergic fibers?
  13. What are the two classes of receptors for ACh? Describe nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.
  14. What are the two classes of receptors for Norepinephrine (NE)? Describe alpha and beta receptors.
  15. Describe the Antagonistic and Cooperative effects between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.