Allied Health: CNS and PNS (Nervous Systems)

What does the root “‑caus/o‑” mean?

Burning or burn.

Cerebr/o refers to which structure?

Cerebrum (brain).

What does “concuss‑” describe?

A shaken‑together injury (concussion).

Contus/o → what kind of injury?

Bruise (contusion).

Encephal/o = ?

Brain.

Esthesia vs. esthek/o – what’s the difference?

“‑esthesia” = sensation/feeling; “‑esthek/o” emphasizes the feeling of nervous sensation or perception.

Graphy‑ means what?

The process of producing a picture or record (e.g., photography, cardiography).

Mening/o refers to what?

Membranes (meninges).

Myel/o – two common meanings?

Spinal cord or bone marrow.

Neur/i or neur/o – definition?

Nerve or nerve tissue.

Phobia = ?

Abnormal or irrational fear.

Psych/o pertains to?

The mind.

Radicul/o refers to?

A nerve root.

Tropic – what does this suffix indicate?

Having an affinity for or being attracted to something.

Main components of the CNS?

Brain and spinal cord.

Primary function of the CNS?

Receive, process information and regulate all bodily activity.

What makes up the PNS?

12 cranial nerve pairs + 31 spinal nerve pairs.

Function of the PNS?

Transmit nerve signals to and from the CNS.

Cranial Nerve I (Olfactory) – test?

Identify a scent.

Cranial Nerve II (Optic) – test?

Visual acuity chart.

Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor) – test?

Follow a moving finger; check pupil constriction.

Cranial Nerve IV (Trochlear) – test?

Look down‑and‑in.

Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal) – test?

Light touch on face; bite test.

Cranial Nerve VI (Abducens) – test?

Look laterally.

Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) – test?

Ask to smile, raise eyebrows.

Cranial Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear) – test?

Rinne/Weber hearing test.

Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) – test?

Gag reflex (posterior tongue).

Cranial Nerve X (Vagus) – test?

Gag reflex, listen for hoarseness.

Cranial Nerve XI (Accessory) – test?

Shrug shoulders against resistance.

Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal) – test?

Stick out tongue, move side‑to‑side.

Acetylcholine (ACh) – main role?

Muscle activation & parasympathetic signaling.

Dopamine – primary functions?

Reward processing and movement control.

Glutamate – why important?

Main excitatory neurotransmitter.

GABA – primary function?

Main inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Norepinephrine – what does it do?

Arousal and stress response.

Serotonin – key effects?

Mood, sleep, and appetite regulation.

Order of meninges from outer to inner?

Dura → Arachnoid → Pia.

Where is the epidural space?

Outside the dura mater.

Subdural space lies between?

Dura and arachnoid mater.

Subarachnoid space contains what?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Frontal lobe – primary function?

Decision‑making and motor planning.

Parietal lobe – main role?

Touch perception and spatial sense.

Temporal lobe – key functions?

Hearing and memory.

Occipital lobe – primary function?

Vision.

Cerebellum – what does it control?

Balance and coordination.

Brainstem – essential duties?

Breathing, heart rate, basic reflexes; connects brain to spinal cord.

Thalamus – what is its purpose?

Sensory relay (all senses except smell).

Hypothalamus – main responsibilities?

Hormone release and autonomic regulation.

Pituitary gland – why called “master”?

It controls other endocrine glands via its hormone output.