Chapter 13 - 15 Study Guide

Cranial Protection

The mechanisms that safeguard the brain from physical damage.

Skull

The bony structure that encases and protects the brain.

Meninges

Three layers of connective tissue that protect the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

The tough outermost layer of the meninges providing structural support.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges with web-like fibers, containing the subarachnoid space for CSF circulation.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the brain and spinal cord surface.

Spinal Cord Protection

The mechanisms that safeguard the spinal cord, primarily through the vertebrae.

Vertebrae

The bony structures that encase and protect the spinal cord.

Epidural Space

The space between the vertebrae and dura mater that contains fat and blood vessels for cushioning.

CSF Circulation

The pathway cerebrospinal fluid flows through the brain and spinal cord.

Lateral Ventricles

The first stop in the CSF circulation process.

Interventricular Foramen

The passage connecting the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle.

Third Ventricle

The chamber in the brain that receives CSF from the lateral ventricles.

Cerebral Aqueduct

The channel that connects the third and fourth ventricles.

Fourth Ventricle

The chamber that CSF flows into before entering the central canal or subarachnoid space.

Central Canal

The channel within the spinal cord that contains CSF.

Arachnoid Villi

Structures that absorb CSF into the bloodstream.

Meninges Functions

Protect the CNS, anchor it to the skull and vertebral column, and facilitate CSF circulation.

Brain Functions

Controls cognitive functions, motor activities, and homeostasis.

Spinal Cord Functions

Transmits signals between the brain and body and coordinates reflexes.

Pyramidal Cells

Large triangular-shaped cells in the cerebral cortex responsible for motor control.

Purkinje Cells

Neurons in the cerebellum with extensive dendrites involved in fine motor coordination.

Limbic System

A group of structures involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

Reticular Formation

A network in the brainstem that regulates wakefulness and arousal.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing nutrients to pass.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, responsible for various sensory and motor functions.

Olfactory Nerve (I)

Responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic Nerve (II)

Responsible for vision.

Oculomotor Nerve (III)

Controls eye movement.

Trochlear Nerve (IV)

Also involved in eye movement.

Trigeminal Nerve (V)

Responsible for facial sensation and chewing.

Abducens Nerve (VI)

Controls eye movement.

Facial Nerve (VII)

Responsible for facial expression and taste.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (VIII)

Involved in hearing and balance.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX)

Responsible for taste and swallowing.

Vagus Nerve (X)

Controls functions of the heart, lungs, and digestion.

Accessory Nerve (XI)

Involved in head movement.

Hypoglossal Nerve (XII)

Controls tongue movement.

Functional Areas of the Brain

Regions responsible for specific functions such as motor control and sensory processing.

Frontal Lobe

Involved in motor function, problem-solving, and memory.

Parietal Lobe

Responsible for sensory processing.

Occipital Lobe

Primarily responsible for vision.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in hearing and memory.

Cerebellum

Coordinates balance and movement.

Broca’s Area

Responsible for speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

Involved in language comprehension.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the ANS responsible for "fight or flight" responses.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the ANS responsible for "rest and digest" functions.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Sympathetic Chain Ganglion

A structure involved in distributing sympathetic innervation to various organs.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized cells that detect stimuli from the environment.

Exteroceptors

Sensory receptors that detect external stimuli.

Interoceptors

Sensory receptors