Nervous System Anatomy and Function: Comparative Overview for Veterinary Students

the main components of the central nervous system (CNS)?

The brain and spinal cord.

What protects the CNS?

Bony structures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and meninges.

What is the function of the afferent part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

To carry sensory information to the CNS.

What is the function of the efferent part of the PNS?

To carry motor output from the CNS to effector organs.

What is grey matter composed of?

Cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses.

What is white matter composed of?

Axons surrounded by myelin.

What is decussation in the context of the nervous system?

The crossing over of nerve tracts, where information from/output to one side of the body is handled by the opposite side of the brain.

What are gyri and sulci in the brain?

Gyri are ridges, and sulci are furrows formed by the folding of the cerebral cortex.

What is the role of the cerebellum?

To organize and refine motor activity, compare intended movements with outcomes, and maintain balance and coordination.

What are the ventricles of the brain?

Interconnected spaces within the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What is the limbic system responsible for?

Emotion, learning, and memory.

how does the grey matter in the cerebellum interact

in a highly folded cortex (forms folia) and central nuclei

what is the function of the cerebellum

organizes and refines motor activity, compares intended movement w/ the outcome

What is the function of the thalamus?

To relay sensory information coming into the brain and regulate sleep and wakefulness.

What is the hypothalamus's role in the nervous system?

To connect the endocrine and nervous systems and forms parts of the limbic system.

What are the main functions of the brain stem?

Regulating respiratory and cardiovascular functions, sleep/wake cycles, consciousness, and reflexes.

what does the brain stem consist of

midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata

What are the cranial nerves responsible for?

They control various functions including sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.

What is the significance of the corpus callosum?

It connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them.

the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

What is the primary function of sympathetic nerves?

To prepare the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

What is the primary function of parasympathetic nerves?

To promote 'rest and digest' activities.

What are the signs of a cerebellar lesion?

Impaired coordination, balance issues, and difficulty with motor activity.

What is the role of the spinal cord?

To transmit signals between sensory receptors and the brain, and coordinate reflexes.

What are intumescences in the spinal cord?

Enlarged regions of the spinal cord that correspond to the origins of spinal nerves.

How does the structure of the cerebral cortex vary among species?

The degree of folding and development reflects the species' intelligence and functional needs.

What is the significance of the olfactory bulbs in different species?

Their size reflects the importance of olfaction to that species.

what does the olfaction nerve do in the brain

sense of smell, communicated with higher centers to affect emotion, behavior and communication

What are the folds of the cerebellar cortex called?

Folia.

What is the function of the basal nuclei?

To facilitate or inhibit motor movement.

What are the clinical signs of a C7 spinal lesion?

Weakness or paralysis in the forelimbs and possible loss of reflexes.

what does cerebrospinal fluid do?

it is produced and circulates around ventricles

what is the cortical function

somatosensory, auditory, visual, and olfactory functions

what is the spinal cord segments of the cervical (neck) vertebrae

C1-C5

what is the spinal cord segments of the cervical intumescence vertebrae (thoracic limb)

C6-T2

what is the spinal cord segments of the thoracolumbar (thorax and abdomen) vertebrae

T3-L3

what is the spinal cord segments of the lumbosacral intumescence (pelvic cavity, pelvic limb and perineum) vertebrae

L4-S3

what is the spinal cord segments of the Caudal (tail) vertebrae

Cd1-Cd5

how many cervical vertebrae are there

8

how many thoracic vertebrae are there

13

how many lumbar vertebrae are there

7

how many caudal vertebrae are there

6