THE NERVOUS SYSTEM THE REFLEX ARC Reflexrapid predictable
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
THE REFLEX ARC Reflex—rapid, predictable, and involuntary response to a stimulus • Occurs over pathways called reflex arcs Reflex arc—direct route from a sensory neuron, to an interneuron, to an effector
THE REFLEX ARC Skin Stimulus at distal end of neuron Spinal cord (in cross section) Sensory neuron Receptor Motor neuron (a) Effector Integration center Interneuron
SIMPLE REFLEX ARC Sensory receptors (stretch receptors in the quadriceps muscle) Sensory receptors (pain receptors in the skin) Sensory (afferent) neuron Spinal cord Sensory (afferent) neuron Synapse in ventral horn gray matter Interneuron Motor (efferent) neuron (b) Effector (quadriceps muscle of thigh) Effector (biceps brachii muscle) (c)
TYPES OF REFLEXES AND REGULATION Somatic reflexes • Activation of skeletal muscles • Example: When you move your hand away from a hot stove
TYPES OF REFLEXES AND REGULATION Autonomic reflexes
TYPES OF REFLEXES AND REGULATION Patellar, or knee-jerk, reflex is an example of a two-neuron reflex arc
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) Ventricles • Four chambers within the brain • Filled with cerebrospinal fluid
CEREBRUM Figure 7. 14
Layers of the cerebrum • Gray matter— • White matter— • Corpus callosum – Basal nuclei—islands of gray matter buried within the white matter
WHITE MATTER
CEREBRUM
DIENCEPHALON Figure 7. 12 b
DIENCEPHALON (INTERBRAIN) • On top of the brain stem • Enclosed by the cerebral hemispheres • Made of three parts
REGIONS OF THE BRAIN: DIENCEPHALON Figure 7. 16
DIENCEPHALON Thalamus
DIENCEPHALON Hypothalamus • Under the thalamus • Important autonomic nervous system center
DIENCEPHALON Hypothalamus (continued) • An important part of the limbic system (emotions)
DIENCEPHALON Epithalamus • Houses the pineal body (an endocrine gland)
BRAIN STEM Attaches to the spinal cord Parts of the brain stem
BRAIN STEM Figure 7. 16 a
BRAIN STEM Midbrain • Mostly composed of tracts of nerve fibers • Has two bulging fiber tracts— cerebral peduncles
BRAIN STEM Pons • The bulging center part of the brain stem • Mostly composed of fiber tracts
BRAIN STEM Medulla Oblongata • The lowest part of the brain stem - Merges into the spinal cord • Contains important control centers
MEDULLA OBLONGATA • Projection fiber tracts cross here - right to left
REGIONS OF THE BRAIN: BRAIN STEM Reticular Formation • Diffuse mass of gray matter along the brain stem • Involved in motor control of visceral organs
RETICULAR FORMATION OF THE BRAIN STEM Figure 7. 16 b
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 1. If the right side of the pons is injured which side of the body will be affected? 2. If you sustain an injury to the very lowest, right side of the medulla oblongata, which side of the body will be affected?
PROTECTION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM Scalp and skin Skull and vertebral column Meninges Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Blood-brain barrier
PROTECTION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DURA MATER • Double-layered external covering • Periosteum— • Meningeal layer—
DURA MATER
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) • Similar to blood plasma • Forms a watery cushion to protect the brain
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF)
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF)
HYDROCEPHALUS • CSF accumulates and exerts pressure on the brain if not allowed to drain
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