Chapter 15 Nervous System

Question 1

Brain

Answer 1

Contained within the cranium, the center for coordinating body activities. Comprises the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. The brainstem contains the pons, medulla oblongata, and the midbrain.

Question 2

Cerebrum

Answer 2

Largest portion of the brain, divided into left and right hemispheres. The cerebrum controls the skeletal muscles, interprets general senses (temp, pain and touch) and contains centers for sight and hearing. Intellect, memory, and emotional reactions also take place here.

Question 3

Ventricles

Answer 3

Spaces within the brain contain cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord.

Question 4

Cerebellum

Answer 4

Located under the posterior portion of the cerebrum. Assists in the coordination of skeletal muscles to maintain balance.

Question 5

Brainstem

Answer 5

Stemlike portion of the brain that connects with the spinal cord. Contains centers that control respiration and heart rate. Three structures comprise the brainstem: the pons, medulla oblongata and midbrain.

Question 6

Pons

Answer 6

Literally means bridge. It connects the cerebrum with the cerebellum and brainstem.

Question 7

Medulla oblongata

Answer 7

Located between the pons and spinal cord. It contains centers that control respiration, heart rate and the muscles in the blood vessel walls, which assist in determining blood pressure.

Question 8

Midbrain

Answer 8

Most superior portion of the brainstem.

Question 9

Cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 9

Clear, colorless fluid contained in the ventricles that flows through the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord. It cushions the brain and spinal cord from shock, transports nutrients, and clears metabolic waste.

Question 10

Spinal cord

Answer 10

Passes through the vertebral canal extending from the medulla oblongata to the level of the second lumbar vertebra. It conducts nerve impulses to and from the brain and initiates reflex action to sensory information without input from the brain.

Question 11

Meninges

Answer 11

Three layers of membrane that cover the brain and spinal cord

Question 12

Nerve

Answer 12

Cordlike structure made up of fibers that carries impulses from one part of the body to another. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves.

Question 13

Ganglion

Answer 13

Group of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system.

Question 14

Glia

Answer 14

Specialized cells that support and nourish nervous tissue. Some cells assist in the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid and others assist with phagocytosis. They do not conduct impulses.

Question 15

Neuron

Answer 15

Nerve cell that conducts nerve impulses to carry out the function of the nervous system. Destroyed neurons cannot be replaced.