Final Lab Practical

Cerebral Hemispheres

The two halves of the brain, collectively known as the cerebrum, responsible for cognitive functions, sensory interpretation, movement planning, and personality.

Ventricles

Hollow spaces within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid, including lateral, third, and fourth ventricles.

Choroid Plexus

Collections of blood vessels within the ventricles that produce cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebellum

A brain region responsible for coordinating motor activities and preventing errors in movement.

Brainstem

The region of the brain controlling automatic functions, including the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Thalamus

A part of the diencephalon serving as a relay and integration center for sensory information to the cerebrum.

Hypothalamus

A structure regulating endocrine functions, sleep-wake cycle, thirst, hunger, and body temperature.

Corpus Callosum

The largest tract of white matter connecting the right and left cerebral hemispheres.

Meninges

Three protective membranes surrounding the brain, including the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Spinal Cord

A nerve bundle extending from the brain through the vertebral column, responsible for transmitting nerve impulses and controlling reflex actions.

Nerves

Transmit sensory information from sensory receptors to the CNS and carry motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Ganglia

Clusters of nerve cell bodies located outside the CNS, functioning as relay stations for integrating and transmitting nerve signals.

Sensory Input

PNS gathers sensory information from the external environment and internal body conditions through sensory receptors like touch receptors and pain receptors.

Motor Output

Transmits motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands, controlling voluntary movements and involuntary processes.

Autonomic Functions

Includes the ANS, regulating involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Reflex Actions

PNS coordinates rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli through reflex arcs involving sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

Anterior Rami

Branches of spinal nerves that innervate various body structures and form plexuses like cervical, brachial, lumbar, and sacral plexuses.

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Branch of the ANS located in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord, responsible for the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS)

Branch of the ANS located in cranial nerve nuclei and the sacral portion of the spinal cord, regulating the rest and recovery response.

Lacrimal Apparatus

Produces and drains tears, including structures like the lacrimal gland, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct.

Vitreous humor

Thicker fluid located in the posterior cavity of the eye, present at birth and remains relatively unchanged throughout life, aiding in light refraction.

Fibrous tunic

The outermost layer of the eye consisting mostly of dense irregular CT, including the sclera (white part) and cornea (clear structure).

Vascular tunic

Also known as uvea, carries the blood supply to the eye tissues, comprising the choroid, ciliary body, and iris.

Retina

Thin, delicate structure containing photoreceptors (rods and cones), bipolar neurons, and ganglion cells, essential for vision.

Refractive media

The cornea, aqueous humor, lens, and vitreous humor, through which light passes before hitting the retina, causing refraction.

Accommodation

Adjustment of the lens shape by the ciliary muscle to focus light on the retina for near vision, controlled by the ciliary body and suspensory ligaments.

Visual acuity

Measurement of the eye's ability to distinguish details and shapes, typically assessed using an eye chart.

Astigmatism

Condition characterized by irregularities in the cornea or lens surfaces, leading to blurred vision.

Myopia

Nearsightedness resulting from the eye being too long or oval-shaped, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina.

Blind spot

Area at the optic disc lacking photoreceptors, demonstrated by the + and dot test to identify the region where no images can be produced.