A&P 301 Central Nervous System:

Central Nervous System Function:

Receive information (sensory)

Process information (association)
Send a response (motor)

CNS Components:

Brain
Spinal cord

CNS Brain:

Ventricles
Cerebral Hemispheres
Diencephalon
Brain Stem
Cerebellum

Brain Ventricles:

A set of fluid filled chambers that are in communication with each other and with the
central canal of the spinal cord
Filled with cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
CSF is PLASMA that has been modified.
It circulates, so 2 things are happening:
- 1) It is being produced
- 2) It is circulating (going directly into blood)

CNS Ventricles:

Lateral Ventricles
3rd Ventricle
4th Ventricle
Lateral ventricles = one in each hemisphere

CNS Lateral Ventricles: Ventricles 1 & 2

Paired ventricles in the cerebral hemispheres

Enclosed medially by the septum pellucidum
Connected to the 3rd ventricle by the interventricular foramen

CNS 3rd Ventricle:

Present in the diencephalon

Continuous with the 4th ventricle via the cerebral or mesencephalic aqueduct
Made up of where the two halves come together. Doesnt have its own walls that enclose
it (right and left halves dont come together flush)
Doesnt like cerebral aqueduct, b/c its not in the cerebrum
Diencephalon middle of the brain. It doesnt change names

CNS 4th Ventricle:

Sits between the brainstem and cerebellum

Connected to subarachnoid space by the lateral and medial apertures
Empties into the central canal of the spinal cord
Separates cerebellum from briainstem

CNS Cerebrum:

Anatomic Terms
Superficial Anatomy
Cerebral Cortex
Cerebral White Mater
Basal Nuclei

CNS Anatomic Terms:

Cerebral hemispheres the two halves of the cerebrum

Gyri elevated ridges
Sulci grooves between the gyri
Giri pleural form; Gyrus singular form
Sulci pleural form; Sulcus singular form
Fissure deeper grooves that separate large regions

CNS Superficial Anatomy:

Longitudinal fissure separates the two hemispheres

Transverse cerebral fissure separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum

(continued)
Lobe of the cerebrum Named for the bone that overlies them
- Frontal
- Parietal
- Temporal
- Occipital
- Insula
Insula lies deep to temporal lobe

Central sulcus (remember) separates the frontal and parietal lobe

On either side of the central sulcus is the precentral and postcentral gyrus
Central sulcus separation from frontal and parietal lobes

CNS Cerebral Cortex:

Each hemisphere is concerned with sensory and motor function of the opposite side of
the body
The two hemispheres are not equal in function
The two hemispheres are NOT equal why were R or L handed, one eye will be
dominate, etc.
What is the determining factor/characteristics for being R brain or L brain dominate?
Depends on which side is dominate for speech.

CNS Cerebral Cortex:

1.
2.
3.

Three functional areas

No functional area acts alone
Motor Areas (response)
Sensory Areas (incoming)
Association Areas (processing)

Cerebral Cortex Motor Areas:

Primary Motor Cortex

Premotor Cortex
Brocas Area
Frontal Eye Field

Know where they are and what they do!!

Cerebral Cortex Primary Motor Cortex:

Provides motor innervation of the opposite side of the body

(continued)

Located in the precentral gyrus

Somatotopy - mapping of the body in the CNS
Homunculis proportion of body to the brain

Both will be on test

Pre-central gyrus aka the primary motor cortex

Motor and sensory have the some Homunculis.
Where there are the highest concentration of nerves?
2 point discrimination highest concentration of nerves,
- i.e. Have much higher concentration of nerves in hands than in arms.
Whats most sensitive part of body/best 2-point discrimination? *Lips8

Cerebral Cortex Primary Motor Cortex:

Pyramidal tracts or corticospinal tracts Massive voluntary motor tracts that project
to the spinal cord
Extra-pyramidal tract anything that is not in the pyramidal tract.
- I.e. Smacking lips d/t some meds is extra-pyramidal

Cerebral Cortex Premotor Cortex:

Controls learned motor skills of a repetitious or patterned nature (typing, playing a

musical instrument)
Anterior to the precentral gyrus
Why you can type faster than spelling it out loud - why you can do things fast, but not
slower
Not in a well defined area

Cerebral Cortex Brocas Areas:

Inferior to the premotor area

Motor speech area
If pt doesnt respond, you cannot automatically think theres a problem with Brocas area
How can you determine if there is a problem? If you have to write the answer down. If
she can write it down and isnt trying to say it with her lips, then its probably Brocas
area

Cerebral Cortex Frontal Eye Field:

Anterior to the premotor cortex

Controls voluntary eye movements
Not a well defined area

Cerebral Cortex Sensory Areas:

Primary Somatosensory Cortex

Somatosensory Association Cortex

Cerebral Cortex Sensory Areas:

Concerned with the conscious awareness of sensation

Sensory Area Primary Somatosensory Association Cortex:

Postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe

Receives stimuli from sensory and proprioceptors of the skin

Spatial discrimination the ability to identify the region stimulated

Proprioception tells you where your body/body parts are
Peripheral areas that have a higher concentration of sensory nerve endings have a larger
area in the cortex
Somatosensory homonculus is similar to the motor homunculis
If you have an area with a lot of nerves, it will take up a lot of space

Sensory Areas Somatosensory Association Cortex:

Lies posterior to the primary somatosensory cortex

Integrates sensory inputs to evaluate the size, temperature, texture etc. where
analysis and info processing happens

Cerebral Cortex Association Areas:

Helps analyze sensory information

Communicates with the motor cortex

Cerebral Cortex Association Areas:

Prefrontal Cortex
Language Area
General Interpretation Area
Visceral Association Area

Association Areas Prefrontal Cortex:

Anterior portion of the frontal lobe

Involved in intellect, complex learning, recall, and personality
Necessary for abstract ideas, judgment, reasoning, and long-term planning

It is the prefrontal cortex who makes you who you are

Association Areas Language Areas:

In the lateral sulcus in the left hemisphere

Wernickes area involved in sounding out unfamiliar words (processing)
Brocas area for speech production

Association Areas General Interpretation Areas:

Ill defined area involving the temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes
Receives input from all association areas and integrates incoming signals into a thought
or understanding of a situation
Where thoughts take place

Association Areas Visceral Association Areas:

In the cortex of the insula

Conscious perception of visceral sensation; upset stomach, full bladder, etc.

Cerebral Cortex Lateralization of Function:

Lateralization unique abilities of one cerebral hemisphere not shared by the other
hemisphere
Cerebral dominance designates which hemisphere is responsible for speech
Lateralization what weve already talked about. Each half isnt equal

Lateralization of Function Cerebral Dominance:

90% of the population are left side dominant

Left side is responsible for speech, math, and logic
Right side is responsible for intuition, emotion, and artistic ability
10% of the population are right cerebral dominant
These people are left handed and have a higher incidence of dyslexia

Cerebrum White Matter:

Myelinated fibers bundled into tracts

Responsible for communication between cerebral areas and between cerebral areas and
the lower CNS

White Matter Classifications:

Commissures
Association Fibers
Projection Fibers
Where does primary somatosensory cortex reside? In the parietal lobe, specifically the
post-central gyrus (function primary motor cortex)
Pre-motor coretx lernered motor skills of repotious nature
What separates the temporal lobe from the parietal? Central sulcus

White Matter Commissures:

Composed of commissure fibers

Connect the two cerebral hemispheres
Corpus callosum is the largest
Anterior and posterior commissures are less important
Agenesis doesnt have a corpus callosum
Savant excel at some skill (like math, instrument, etc.)

White Matter Association Fibers:

Connects different parts of the same hemisphere

Short fibers connect adjacent gyri
Long fibers connect different lobes
The short and long fibers connect different lobes

White Matter Projection Fibers:

Travels between the cerebral hemispheres and the lower brain

At the top of the brain stem the projection fibers form a compact band called the internal
capsule
Corona = crown

(Continued)

Above the internal capsule the projection fibers fan out and are known as the corona
radiate

Corona = crown
Radiata = radiate

Cerebrum Basal Nuclei:

Important in starting, stopping, and monitoring the intensity of movement

Inhibit unnecessary movement
May play a role in regulating attention and cognition
Nuclei collection of neuronal cell bodies

Central Nervous System Diencephalon:

Central core of the forebrain surrounded by each cerebral hemisphere

Named for its embryologic origins

Diencephalon Components:

Thalamus
Hypothalamus Under the thalamus
Epithalamus Above the thalamus
Hypo beneath or under
Epi above

Diencephalon Thalamus:

Makes up 80% of the diencephalon

Made up of 12 nuclei
Are held together in the midline by the interthalamic adhesion (intermediate mass)
The thalamus plays a key role in mediating sensation, motor activities, cortical arousal,
learning, and memory
All peripheral sensory nerves are connect to the thalamus and are relayed to the sensory
and sensory association areas
Also receives all other impulses that travel to the cerebral cortex
Intermediate mass connects the two thalami
The thalamus directs the signals that are coming in (like old phone operator)

Diencephalon Hypothalamus: Picture will be on practical!

Caps the brain stem and forms a wall for the third ventricle
Extends from the optic chiasm to the mammillary bodies
Optic

(Continued)
Optic chiasm just anterior to the thalamus
Mamillary body just posterior to the thalamus
Hypothalamus is tiny compared to the rest of the body, but wouldnt survive without it
Infundibulum the stalk that attaches the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus, sits
between the optic chiasm and the mammillary bodies
Pituitary gland secretes hormones
Hypothalamus involved with homeostasis
No voluntary function!

Hypothalamus Function:

Autonomic Control Center

Center for Emotional Response

Body Temperature Regulation
Regulation of Food Intake
Regulation of Water Balance and Thirst
Regulation of Sleep-Wake Cycles
Control of Endocrine System Functioning

Function of the Hypothalamus Autonomic Control Center:

Controls activities of the centers in the brain stem and spinal cord
Influences blood pressure, heart rate, digestive tract, respiratory center, etc.
What regulates body temp, BP, heart rate, etc.

Function of the Hypothalamus Center for Emotional Response:

Part of the limbic system that is involved in perception of

pleasure, fear, and rage

Limbic system tells you how youre feeling and lets you recognize how

others are feeling its a protective mechanism

Function of Hypothalamus Body Temperature Regulation:

Thermoreceptors in the periphery and in the hypothalamus monitor temperature

Hypothalamus initiates cooling and heat retention
Heating getting the muscle to work (shivering, etc. since they arent very efficient)
Cooling sweating
Thermoreceptors highest temp you can stand (104F)

Function of Hypothalamus Regulation of Food Intake:

Monitors certain nutrient levels or hormones

Regulates feelings of hunger and satiety

Function of Hypothalamus Regulation of Water Balance:

When fluids become too concentrated osmoreceptors are activated

Hypothalamus triggers the release of ADH and stimulates thirst centers
What balance is a big thing
ADH (antidiuretic hormone) goes directly to kidney and tells it not to release as much
water

Function of Hypothalamus Regulation of Sleep-Wake Cycles:

Sets the timing of the sleep cycle in response to daylight-darkness cues from the visual
pathways
Epithalamus also regulates with daylight-darkness

Function of Hypothalamus Control of Endocrine Function:

Releasing hormones produced in the hypothalamus control secretion of hormones from

the pituitary gland
Endocrine hormones released in blood and go directly to target tissues

Diencephalon Epithalamus:

Forms the roof of the third ventricle

Pineal gland secretes melatonin
- Sleep inducing hormone
Choroid plexus
- Makes cerebral spinal fluid
Pineal gland right next to the thalamus
- Produces melatonin when it gets dark
Choroid plexus just modifies serum (produces CSF). Ependymal cells are found I nthe
choroid plexus
- It sits on top of the epithalamus

Central Nervous System Brain Stem:

Midbrain
Pons
Medulla Oblongata

Terms will be on test!

Brainstem Midbrain:

Between the diencephalon and the pons

Midbrain Components:

Peduncles
Cerebral Aqueduct
Corpora Quadrigemina
Substantia Nigra
Red Nucleus

Midbrain is the most missed Question on practical!

Midbrain Peduncles:

Cerebral peduncles contain the pyramidal (corticospinal tracts)

Superior cerebellar peduncles attach midbrain to the cerebellum
Dont have to remember individual penduncles
Just remember that they are a conduction tract they dont really have a function

Midbrain Cerebral Aqueduct:

Connects the third and fourth ventricle

Surrounded by the periaqueductal gray mater
- Involved in pain suppression
AKA mesencephalic aqueduct it is in the midbrain

Midbrain Corpora Quadrigemina:

Superior and inferior colliculi

Involved in visual reflexes and the startle reflex
Corpora = body (like corpse)

Midbrain Substania Nigra:

High content of melanin, a black pigment, which is the precursor to dopamine

Degeneration causes Parkinsons disease

Doesnt produce melatonin REMEMBER

One of the 1st signs of Parkinsons doesnt move their arms when they are walking
and the pill rolling tremor, also a mask like face and then the shuffling step in the later
stages
- To treat: Give L-Dopa (a precursor to Dopamin)70 127

Brain Stem Pons:

Between the midbrain and medulla oblongata

Chiefly composed of conduction tracts
Contains the middle cerebellar peduncles

Midbrain right above the pons (Most missed Question on practical!)

(Continued)
Pneumotaxic center Along with the medulla controls the respiratory rate fine
tunes breathing
Regulates breathing but it DOESNT make you breath, the Medulla

does that
Most IMPORTANT function of the Pons? Conduction tract, thats its
main function

Brain Stem Medulla Oblongata:

Between the pons and the spinal cord

Contains pyramids formed by the large pyramidal (corticospinal) tracts
Decussation of the pyramids the crossover point
Autonomic function
- Cardiovascular center controls heart rate, blood pressure, and force of contraction
- Respiratory center controls rate and depth of breathing

Extremely important difference.

Respiratory center rate of breathing. Without it you do NOT breath. (C3, 4
& 5 go to diaphragm) If there is a cut above that you will not breath.
Cardiovascular center tells heart to speed or slow down the HR, without
the heart WILL still beat

Aggression comes from the prefrontal cortex (where judgments are made)

You find the corticospinal tracts there

Decussation point where it switches over i.e. a crossed tract of nerve fibers passing
between centers on opposite sides of the nervous system. (where the right controls the
left side and vice versa)
What do you call that crossing over? Contralateral (right controls left, etc)
What if right controls the right? Ipsilateral
Ipsi = same
Contra = opposite
Cerebrum contralateral
Cerebellum ipsilateral (2 cross over points, crosses over then back)

Central Nervous System Cerebellum:

Anatomy
Cerebellar Peduncles
Cerebellar Processing
Cognitive Functioning

Cerebellum Anatomy:

Two cerebellar hemispheres

Vermis - wormlike structure that connects the hemispheres

Folia pleatlike gyri (WILL BE ON TEST!)

Doesnt have a longitudinal fissure
The vermis separates the Right from the Left

(Continued)
Each hemisphere is divided into the anterior, posterior, and flocculonodular lobes
Arbor vitae the tree of life
White matter in the cerebellum
DONT worry about the anterior and posterior flocculonodular lobes

(Continued)

Purkinje cells only cell that sends axons through the white matter

Also has stellate, basket, and granule cells

Purkinje cells are also found in the heart they are the ones doing the crossing over

Cerebellum Cerebellar Peduncles:

All fibers are ipsilateral
Superior cerebellar
- Connects to midbrain
Middle cerebellar
- Connects to the pons
Inferior cerebellar
- Connects to the medulla
- DONT need to know the superior, middle, etc.

Cerebellum Cerebral Processing:

The cerebellum receives intent to initiate movement from the cerebral cortex
The cerebellum also receives information from proprioceptors to evaluate body position
The cerebellum:
- Calculates the force, direction, and extent of muscle contraction to prevent
overshoot
- Maintain posture

Ensure smooth coordinated movements

Helps being able to stand up at all

Cerebellum Cognitive Function:

Plays a role in language and problem solving

To recognize and predict sequence of events to adjust movements
Cerebellum also helps with Equilibrium (along with the inner ear and vision)

Central Nervous System Functional Brain Systems:

Limbic System
Reticular Formation

Overview:
3 components of the dicephalon
- thalamus,
- epithalamus,
- hypothalamus
Function of hypothalamus
- temp regulation, metabolism, sleep cycles, hormones (endocrine function)
Is there anything that is does that is voluntary? NO.
Thalamus:
Basal nuclei calculates movements, makes them smooth. Fine tunes movement
Gland associated with epithalamus: pineal gland. Releases melatonin (because of light
and darkness)
What are 3 components of brain stem:
- Midbrain
- Pons
- Medulla oblongata
4 bodied structures in the midbrain:
- Corpora quadrigimena
- Involved in startle reflex
Chief function of pons?
- Conduction tract
What function center exists in pons?
- Pneumonic center (fine tunes breathing)
2 centers found in medulla
- cardiovascular
- & respiratory) resp. essential for life
Whats the name of the Cerebellums white part?
- arbour veta
In Cerebrum there are gyri, in Cerebellum there are folia
Function of cerebellum?
- Language & problem solving, and fine tuning movement

 Able to walk in straight line d/t equilibrium

Components of equilibrium?
- Inner ear, cerebellum, vision.

Functional Brain Systems Limbic System:

The emotional or affective brain

- Consists largely of the hypothalamus and thalamus
- Includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and cingulate gyrus
- Connect by the fornix

Reacts emotionally to what we are aware of

Consciously aware of our emotions
Interpret emotions of others
Responsible for psychosomatic illness

Corpus callosum connects the two halves of the brain via the commissure
Hippocampus possibly involved in memory

Hypochondriac over blows little symptoms

Psychosomatic illness actual illness

Interprets emotions of others this is extremely important

Functional Brain Systems Reticular Formation:

Extends through the core of the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain
Includes the hypothalamus
Functionally known as the reticular activating system (RAS)
Filters out 90% of all sensory input
While activated keeps us awake
Must be suppressed for us to sleep
Have to Activate it to stay awake
How do you know youre upset? The Limbic system
At what point is there a junction between the limbic system and RAD? Hypothalamus
(theyre both found there)

CNS Protection of the Brain:

Meninges
Cerebral Spinal Fluid
Blood-Brain Barrier

CNS Meninges:

Cover and protect the brain

Protect blood vessels and enclose dural sinuses
Contain cerebral spinal fluid
Partitions the skull
Difference between the meninges that cover the brain vs the spinal cord?
Brain meninges have two layers, spinal cord has one
Dural sinus filters CSF

(Continued)

Dura Mater
Arachnoid Mater
Pia Mater

Meninges Dura Mater:

Two layered sheet of fibrous connective tissue

Periosteal layer attaches to the skull
Meningeal layer attaches to the brain
Area between is the dural sinus
Dura = tough
Brain has TWO dura, while the spinal cord only has ONE

(Continued)
Forms 3 septa
- Falx cerebri in the longitudinal fissure and separates the cerebral hemispheres
- Falx cerebelli runs along the vermis
Forms 3 septa
- Tentorium cerebelli separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum
Falx cerebri attaches to the crista galli

Meninges Arachnoid Mater:

Loose covering of the brain

Subdural space between the arachnoid mater and dura mater
Subarachnoid space in the arachnoid mater
Arachnoid = looks like a spider web
Subarachnoid space where you see all the CSF

Subdural hematoma can be repaired

Subarachnoid hematoma/bleed much more serious, can be deadly
Why do they die from a subarachnoid bleed? Pressure!
- It can crush the brain and push the brainstem out of the skull into the vertebral
column this makes the medulla stop working (respiratory center)

(Continued)
Subarachnoid space is filled with cerebral spinal fluid
Arachnoid villi knob like projections that protrude through the dura mater to transfer
cerebral spinal fluid to venous blood
CSF enters the dural sinus through the arachnoid villa (aka the arachnoid
granulation)
2nd most missed question on practical!!

Meninges Pia Mater:

Delicate membrane that tightly adheres to the brain and is the only layer to dip into the
sulci
Has a rich supply of blood vessels
Pia = gentle mother

CNS Cerebrospinal Fluid:

Similar composition as blood plasma

Gives the brain buoyancy and decreases the weight of the brain by 97%
Nourishes the brain
Carries chemical signals

Produced by the choroid plexus

- Plasma is leaked by capillaries and modified by the ependymal cells of the choroid
plexus
Choroid plexus is nothing but ependymal cells (cells that are cillited and gets the CSF to
circulate) modifies CSF
CSF moves freely between the ventricles
CSF circulates through the central canal of the spinal cord through the subarachnoid
space through the arachnoid villi to the dural sinus
CSF so that the brain floats so that it doesnt sit on the hard skull and cut off
circulation
Test review:
Why are you worried about blood supply to NS? Neurons have high metabolism (need
lots of O2), only takes short period for them to die
Falx cerebri is what anchors the brain
Coup injury hit in the back of the head (concussion)
Counter coup injury brain bounces off back and hits front of skull (concussion)

CNS Blood-Brain Barrier:

Buffers the environment around the brain

Exposed directly to all the constant changes in the blood, neurons would fire
uncontrollably
Glial cell like a nursemaid provides nourishment to neurons (astrocyte)
Why do you want astrocyte to provide nourishment instead of blood?
Because you cant have rapid shifts of materials going to the brain (it would cause
dysfunction of the neurons firing when they shouldnt)
Buffering = minimizing rapid change

Overview:

3 layers of meninges (furthest to closest to brain)

- Dura mater
- Arachnoid mater
- Pia mater
Whats different between dura matter that surrounds the brain via spinal cord?
- 2 layers around brain, 1 on spinal cord
Name of tissue produces CSF?
- choroid plexus (has ependymal cells)
Name of structure that connects arachnoid mater to doroid sinus.
- arachnoid vilia (granulation)

Components
- Continuous endothelium of the capillaries
- Thick basal lamina
- Bulbous feet of the astrocytes
Thick basal lamina important because its harder to cross
Continuous endothelium/capillaries = NO openings, like in the kidneys, etc. where
absorption and secretion are taking place

Permeable to: MEMORIZE

- Glucose
- Amino acids
- Some electrolytes
- Fats
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
Not permeable to: MEMORIZE
- Metabolic waste
- Proteins
- Certain toxins
- Most drugs

Down side: Betablockers (blocks effects of epinephrine - seen with the ANS especially
sympathetic NS)
- Epinrphoine increases heart rate & how hard the heart beats making heart muscle
use more Oxygen
MI oxygen deficit to the heart (artery blocked usually)
- If pt has coronary artery disease adding Epinephrine can add to and exacerbate the
Oxygen deficit
- Its important to give beta blockers to protect the heart from using too much Oxygen
Old betablockers crossed the blood-brain barrier caused depression
New betablockers now called Cardio-selective (meaning it doesnt cross the barrier)

CNS Spinal Cord:

Gross Anatomy
Meninges
Cross-Sectional Anatomy

Midbrain and arachnoid villa on the spinal picture below most missed
question on practical
Spinal Cord Gross Anatomy:
Know the conus medullaris, filum medullaris, and caussa equine for the
practical

Superiorly merges with the medulla

Conus medullaris cone shaped end of the spinal cord at the level of L2 in adults
(spinal nerves come off it and continue to travel down, form the cauda equine)
Filum terminale tethers the cord to the sacrum
Cauda equina nerves at the end of the spinal cord
- Causa = tail
- Equina = horse
Conus medullaris end of the spinal cord.
- Ends at L2 in ADULTS,
- ends at L4-5 in kids.
What happens during growth, everything around the spinal cord grows faster than the
spinal cord itself. Spinal cord relatively ascends.
Makes a big difference in spinal taps dont want to hit spinal cord. Will see more spinal
taps on kids than adult (to rule out meningitis)
- In adult, still use L4- L5 to stick needle so that youre far away from spinal cord
- L4-L5 are right at the level of the iliac crest
Filum terminale has to get longer with growth.
- Tethers to the spinal cord
Modified plasma (CSF) means no cells are present (blood consists of cells and plasma) should
be clear or possible slight blue tinge

Has 31 pairs of spinal nerves

About the size of the thumb except for cervical and lumbar enlargements
- Enlarged due to the number of nerves going to the arms and legs
- Cervical nerves going to arms
- Lumbar nerves going to the legs

Spinal Cord Meninges:

Has a single spinal dural sheath (but you dont see the dural sinus)
Epidural space area between the dural sheath and the spinal column
Subarachnoid space is filled with CSF

(Continued)
Pia mater has extensions called denticulate ligaments that attach to the spinal column
The dural sheath is not attached to the spinal column

Spinal Cord Cross-Sectional Anatomy:

Fissures
Gray Matter
White Matter

Spinal Cord Fissures:

Anterior median fissure

Posterior median sulcus
Easiest landmarks to determine orientation of the spinal cord
Have to determine if it is anterior of posterior
- Look at the fissure = posterior
- Indentation = anterior

Spinal Cord Gray Matter:

Appears like a butterfly

Gray commissure connects the wings and enclose the central canal
All neurons with cell bodies in the gray matter are multipolar

Commissure something that attaches two halves (like the corpus callosum in the
brain)

(Continued)
Anterior (Ventral) Horn
Lateral Horn
Posterior (Dorsal) Horn
Spinal Nerves
Zones

Know the 3 horns/butterfly and what they supply

Gray Matter Anterior (Ventral) Horn:

Mainly houses somatic motor neurons

Send their axons out via the ventral roots

Gray Matter Lateral Horn:

Autonomic (sympathetic) motor neurons

Axons leave the spinal cord with the somatic motor neurons
In the middle

Gray Matter Posterior (Dorsal) Horn:

Made of afferent fibers carrying impulses from peripheral sensory fibers

Cell bodies are housed in the dorsal root ganglia or spinal ganglia

Gray Matter Spinal Nerves:

Dorsal and ventral roots fuse laterally to form spinal nerves

Spinal Cord White Matter:

Composed of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers

Grey matter = butterfly

White Matter Pathways:

Ascending
Descending
Transverse

Ascending (going to) afferent sensory

Descending (going to) efferent motor
White Matter- Ascending Pathways:

Nonspecific Ascending Pathways

Specific Ascending Pathways
Spinocerebellar Tracts

Ascending Pathways Nonspecific Ascending Pathways:

Transmits impulses that are difficult to localize nonspecific information

- Pain
- Temperature
- Coarse touch

Also called the anterolateral pathway

Ascending Pathways Specific Ascending Pathways:

Transmits impulses that can be precisely localized

- Discriminative touch
- Vibration
Also called the medial lemniscal system

Last 5 Qs on test:
-

What group of pts are you worried about vibration? Diabetic patients d/t possible
diabetic neuropathy
- Diabetic neuropathy is d/t poor blood flow (neurons require a lot of Oxygen/have
high metabolic demand) and nervous tissues are therefore the first tissue to suffer
from lack of Oxygen
- You test vibration on the Lateral malleolus (or ball of foot) Vibration is the first
sensation that is lost in diabetic neuropathy
Way to prevent diabetic neuropathy? keeping blood sugers under tight control

Ascending Pathways Spinocerebellar Tracts:

Transmits information to the cerebellum about muscle or tendon stretch

If youre going to make a movement, you have to know the muscle stretch
The Golgi body in the tendons measure the stretch of the tendon

White Matter Descending Pathways:

Direct (Pyramidal) Pathway

Indirect (Extrapyramidal) Pathways

Descending Pathways Direct (Pyramidal) Pathway:

Originate mainly with the pyramidal neurons located in the precentral gyri
(primary motor cortex)

Direct because axons descend without synapsing to the spinal cord

Synapse with interneurons or with anterior horn cells
Primarily regulates fast and fine or skilled movements

Descending Pathways Indirect (Extrapyramidal) Pathway:

Includes all motor pathways except the pyramidal pathways

Pathways are complex and multisynaptic
Also known as multineuronal

ANY of the pathways expect pyramidal

Controls axial muscles that maintain balance

Muscles controlling coarse limb movement
Head, neck, and eye movement