Anatomy and Physiology Exam Review: Chapters 13, 14, and 15

This set of practice flashcards covers key concepts of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including brain regions, cranial nerves, spinal cord functions, and the autonomic nervous system, based on lecture sample questions.

To which major brain region does the pons belong?

Brain stem

How many ventricles are contained within the brain?

four

Which part of the brain is the location of our conscious mind and acts as an executive suite?

cerebral cortex

Which area of the brain serves as the staging area for skilled motor activities?

Premotor cortex

The phrases ‘left brain’ and ‘right brain’ are used to describe what phenomenon of the cerebral hemispheres?

lateralization

In each hemisphere, the cerebral white matter is greatest in amount for which function?

communication between the two hemispheres

Which brain region acts as a major convergence area for most sensory input before it is sent to the cerebral cortex?

Thalamus

Which brain region synthesizes two major body hormones and plays a vital role in maintaining overall body homeostasis?

Hypothalamus

Severe damage to the medulla oblongata would result in death because it contains which specific centers?

Respiratory centers

Which part of the brain is particularly efficient in professional tight rope walkers due to its role in maintaining balance?

cerebellum

Damage to which structure would result in the production of less cerebrospinal fluid?

Choroid plexus

Which portion of the spinal cord is responsible for controlling muscle movement?

ventral

Contrast the types of impulses transmitted by ascending and descending tracts.

Ascending tracts transmit sensory impulses while descending tracts conduct motor impulses.

Which type of receptors are stimulated when sound waves vibrate hair cells in the inner ear?

Mechanoreceptors

Ganglia associated with efferent nerve fibers primarily contain the cell bodies of which neurons?

autonomic motor neurons

Which cranial nerve is the exception that travels to the thoracic and abdominal cavities?

Vagus

Which cranial nerve possesses both sensory and motor functions?

Facial

Contrast the types of neurons found in the dorsal roots versus the dorsal rami along the spinal cord.

Dorsal roots contain sensory neurons, while dorsal rami contain mixed neurons.

Irritation of which nerve is known to cause hiccups?

Phrenic nerve

What are the skin areas called that a physician tests for numbness to determine the approximate location of a spinal injury?

dermatomes

Quickly lifting your foot and leg after stepping on a rock is an example of what type of reflex?

intrinsic reflex

Under what circumstance is the crossed-extensor reflex important?

When you step barefoot on a sharp object.

What is a common synonym for the autonomic nervous system that reflects its major function?

the involuntary nervous system

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for the regulation of heart rate at low normal levels?

Parasympathetic division

What are the anatomical characteristics of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Craniosacral origin; long preganglionic fibers; ganglia in visceral effector organs

The majority of preganglionic parasympathetic fibers are housed within which cranial nerve?

Vagus

Why is it logical that sympathetic innervation of visceral organs via the lumbar and sacral splanchnic nerves inhibits their activity?

Because sympathetic activity primes the body for physical activity and temporarily shuts down noncritical bodily activities.

Which area of the body receives no innervation from the parasympathetic nervous system?

Sweat glands

Name three processes in which the sympathetic division is involved.

Regulating blood pressure, Increasing glucose metabolism, and Decreasing urinary output

Located at the top of the autonomic nervous system hierarchy, which structure controls most ANS functions via the reticular formation?

hypothalamus

What is the term for a neuron that secretes acetylcholine?

cholinergic neuron

What is the term for a neuron that secretes epinephrine?

adrenergic neuron

What kinds of visceral functions do autonomic reflexes enable the ANS to control?

Smooth muscle contractions, secretion by glands, and cardiac muscle contractions

Contrast the Somatic Nervous System and Autonomic Nervous System regarding control and motor neurons.

The Somatic Nervous System involves voluntary control and one lower motor neuron; the Autonomic Nervous System involves involuntary control and two lower motor neurons.

Contrast the innervation targets of the Somatic and Autonomic nervous systems.

The Somatic system stimulates skeletal muscle fibers, whereas the Autonomic system innervates cardiac muscle and smooth muscle.