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Understanding the Neurological System

May 21, 2025

Lecture on Human Anatomy: Neurological System

Overview

  • Focus on AIT's version 7 exam.
  • Concentration on human anatomy and physiology, specifically the neurological system.

Structure of the Nervous System

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord, functioning as the primary command center.
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes all nerves distributed throughout the body, gathers sensory information, and relays it to the CNS.

Brain Regions

  1. Hindbrain

    • Medulla Oblongata: Regulates vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
    • Pons: Supports medulla's functions, coordinates communication between the forebrain and cerebellum.
    • Cerebellum: Key in balance and movement coordination.
    • Memory Aid: Medulla manages, Pons passes, Cerebellum coordinates.
  2. Midbrain

    • Maintains alertness, sleep-wake cycle, motor activities.
    • Mnemonic: "Mid Controls," for Movement, Involvement in sleep-wake cycle, Detection of auditory and visual reflexes.
  3. Forebrain

    • Cerebrum: Largest and most developed.
    • Divided into left and right hemispheres.
    • Houses primary motor and sensory cortices.
    • Cortices composed of gray matter (neuron cell bodies) and white matter (axons and myelin sheaths).

Neuron Structure

  • Components of a Neuron: Cell body, axon, axon terminal.
  • Myelin Sheath: Covers axons, made of fats and lipids.
  • Gray Matter vs. White Matter: Gray matter (integration and processing), White matter (signal transmission highways).

Functions of Cerebral Components

  • Primary Motor Cortex: In frontal lobe, initiates voluntary movements.
  • Sensory Cortex: Processes incoming sensory information.
  • Association Areas: Integrate past and present information, enhancing understanding.

Conscious Experience and Limbic System

  • Cortex: Allows consciousness, about 1-5 mm thick.
  • Limbic System: Memory and emotional behavior.

Lateralization and Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex

  • Frontal Lobe: Decision-making (Forehead = deep thought).
  • Parietal Lobe: Sensory input (Parachute = covers top of head).
  • Occipital Lobe: Visual information (Optics = vision).
  • Temporal Lobe: Auditory information, speech comprehension.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Somatic Nervous System: Motor functions of skeletal muscles, voluntary, and somatic reflexes.
  • Autonomic Nervous System: Internal environment regulation, categorized into sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest).

Types of Neurons

  • Afferent Neurons (Sensory): Carry signals to CNS (Afferent = Admission).
  • Efferent Neurons (Motor): Carry signals from CNS (Efferent = Exit).

Glial Cells

  • Support and maintain chemical balance, produce myelin, contribute to immune function, and cerebrospinal fluid generation.

Study Tips & Resources:

  • Use memory tricks for lobes to enhance recall.
  • Visit nurseChunStore.com for additional resources.
  • Leave questions for further clarification.