EC

Chapter Overview and Key Concepts

Nervous System Structures

  • Dura Mater

    • One of the three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

  • Spinal Cord

    • A critical structure within the central nervous system.

Neuron Structure and Function

  • Dendrite

    • Receives signals at the neuron.

  • Axon

    • The segment of the neuron that sends signals away from the body (axon terminal).

Brain Function and Anatomy

  • Vision

    • Processed by the Occipital Lobe of the brain.

  • Myelin Sheath

    • Principal component: Lipids
    • Differences in myelin sheath formation:
    • Peripheral Nervous System vs. Central Nervous System

  • Cranial Nerves

    • Total of 12 paired cranial nerves.
    • Importance of knowing both the name and function of each cranial nerve.

  • Depolarization in Nerve Impulse

    • Key Ion: Sodium (Na⁺)
    • Sodium rushes in, making the inside of the cell less negative (more positive) during depolarization.
    • Potassium (K⁺)
    • Exits the cell during repolarization, helping to restore resting potential.

Cerebral Structure

  • Sections of the Cerebrum
    • Cerebral Cortex (outer layer)
    • Cerebral White Matter (middle section)
    • Basal Nuclei (inner section):
    • Contains thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

Language Areas of the Brain

  • Broca's Area

    • Responsible for the motor functions of speech.

  • Wernicke's Area

    • Involved in sound comprehension and language understanding.

Limbic System

  • Function

    • Associated with Emotions
    • Situated primarily in the Frontal Lobe.

  • Phineas Gage Case Study

    • Demonstrated effects of frontal lobe injuries on personality and behavior.

Endocrine and Hormonal Functions

  • Corpus Callosum

    • Structure connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.

  • Hormonal Communication

    • Endocrine system communicates using Hormones.

  • Master Gland

    • The Pituitary Gland acts as the master control for endocrine activities.

  • Adrenal Gland Functions

    • Adrenal Medulla:
    • Secretes Epinephrine and Norepinephrine (stress response).
    • Adrenal Cortex:
    • Secretes three main hormones (includes cortisol).

  • Thyroid Gland

    • Secretes Thyroid Hormone (T3 and T4) and Calcitonin.

  • Pineal Gland

    • Secretes Melatonin (regulates sleep cycles).
    • Location: near the epithalamus.

Pancreatic Functions

  • Pancreas Functions

    • Has both endocrine (Insulin, Glucagon) and exocrine functions (pancreatic gastric juices).
    • Responsible for blood sugar regulation:
    • Insulin decreases blood sugar levels.
    • Glucagon increases blood sugar levels post-meal.

  • Calcitonin Function

    • Secreted by thyroid, decreases blood calcium levels.
    • Stimulates Osteoblasts to build bone.

  • Parathyroid Hormone

    • Antagonistic to calcitonin, increases blood calcium levels.
    • Stimulates Osteoclasts to break down bone.

Sympathetic Nervous System

  • Fight or Flight Response
    • Hormone released: Epinephrine.

Reproductive Hormones

  • Testes

    • Produce Testosterone and sperm.

  • Ovaries

    • Produce Estrogen and Progesterone.

  • Luteinizing Hormone

    • Stimulates ovulation.

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

    • Stimulates maturation of gonads (testes/ovaries).

  • Anterior Pituitary Hormones

    • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Growth Hormone, FSH/LH (Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone).

Class Conclusion

  • Encouragement to review for retention and understanding of the endocrine system and nervous system concepts.