Lecture+5-Neuroanatomy
Neuroanatomy Overview
Instructor: Prof. Susana Peciña
Focus: Understanding the organization and functions of the nervous system.
Roadmap of the Nervous System
Module 1: The Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
Module 2: Peripheral Nervous System
Module 3: Spinal Cord
Module 4: Brain Organization
Module 5: Brain: Subcortical Structures
Module 6: Brain: Cerebral Cortex
Module 1: The Nervous System
Definition
The nervous system consists of all nerve cells in the body. It:
Receives information from the outside world and body.
Processes that information.
Responds to it.
Responsible for thoughts, feelings, movements, behavior, and bodily functions (e.g., heart rate, breathing).
Divisions of the Nervous System
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Composed of the brain and spinal cord.
Function: Acts as the 'boss', receiving reports from the PNS and determining actions.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Includes all nerve cells outside the CNS.
Function: Sends sensory information to the CNS and executes the CNS's orders (e.g., muscle movements).
Communication Between CNS and PNS
Involves sensations and movements.
Pathways facilitate communication through various components like primary sensory neurons and motor neurons.
Structural Overview of the Nervous System
Interaction between somatic and autonomic nervous systems:
Somatic: Controls voluntary muscle movements.
Autonomic: Controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion.
Module 2: The Peripheral Nervous System
Functions
Carries sensory information to the CNS and sends motor signals to muscles.
Divisions of the PNS
Somatic Nervous System:
Comprises sensory and motor components for voluntary movement.
Includes cranial and spinal nerves.
Autonomic Nervous System:
Comprises sensory and motor components for involuntary movement and regulation of body processes.
Divisions: Sympathetic and Parasympathetic.
Autonomic Nervous System Details
Functions
Sympathetic System: Mobilizes energy during stress; increases heart rate and blood pressure.
Parasympathetic System: Conserves energy; promotes resting and digesting functions.
Nerve Pathways
Preganglionic and postganglionic axons diverge in the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Sympathetic: Thoracolumbar outflow (T1-L2).
Parasympathetic: Craniosacral outflow.
Module 3: The Central Nervous System: Spinal Cord
Structure
The spinal cord is composed of:
Grey Matter: Contains neuron cell bodies and is located centrally.
White Matter: Contains myelinated axons that carry signals.
Reflexes
The spinal cord can produce reflex actions independently of the brain.
Module 4: Brain Organization
Structure
Two cerebral hemispheres (right and left) connected by the corpus callosum.
Not identical; communicate sensory information between each other.
Major Brain Divisions
Hindbrain
Midbrain
Forebrain
Importance of Gyri and Sulci
Surface features include gyri (ridges) and sulci (grooves), important for brain function.
Module 5: Brain: Subcortical Structures
Limbic System
Involves structures critical for emotion, motivation, and memory (e.g., hippocampus, amygdala).
Basal Ganglia
Plays a key role in movement regulation and learning motor patterns.
Thalamus
Functions as a sensory relay station directing sensory information to appropriate cortical areas.
Module 6: Brain: Cerebral Cortex
Structure
Divided into four main lobes:
Frontal Lobe: Involved in executive functions and motor control.
Parietal Lobe: Processes somatosensory information.
Temporal Lobe: Handles auditory information and language processing.
Occipital Lobe: Responsible for visual processing.
Key Areas of the Frontal Lobe
Prefrontal Cortex: Executive functions including decision making and emotional regulation.
Broca’s Area: Involved in language production.
Significant Concepts
Neuroanatomy links the structure of the nervous system to psychological and physiological functions; understanding its anatomy is crucial for interpreting its role in behavior and cognition.