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.