NUA 5950 Chapter Chapter 15 - Neurological System : Rockhurst University Questions With Correct Solutions, Already Passed!!

Chapter 15 - Neurological System 1. Anatomy and Physiology Review The nervous system is a highly organized network that directs body functions through voluntary and autonomic responses. System Divisions ● Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord; it directs coordinated signals throughout the body. ● Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves. ● Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): A part of the efferent division of the PNS that regulates body systems via the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Nervous Tissue and Communication ● Neurons: The functional units of the system, composed of a cell body (metabolic center), dendrites (conduct impulses toward the cell body), and a single axon (conducts impulses away). ● Supporting Cells: Provide protection and metabolic support; they form the myelin sheath which acts as insulation for nerve impulses . ● Synapses: Gaps where neurons communicate. ○ Chemical synapses (most common) use neurotransmitters for unidirectional conduction. ○ Electrical synapses allow current to travel in either direction. Protective Structures The CNS is shielded by the skull (cranium), meninges (protective connective sheaths), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which allows the brain and cord to float. 2. Brain and Spinal Cord Structures The Brain ● Cerebrum: Divided into two hemispheres (right controls left body, left controls right). ○ Frontal Lobe: Voluntary motor movement, judgment, and personality. ○ Parietal Lobe: Sensory function and interpretation (pain, pressure, proprioception). ○ Occipital Lobe: Primary vision center. ○ Temporal Lobe: Sound interpretation, taste, smell, and balance. ● Cerebellum: Coordinates muscle action, influences muscle tone, and controls equilibrium/posture. ● Brain Stem: Includes the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain; it controls involuntary functions like respiration and circulation. Spinal Cord Anatomy The spinal cord begins at the foramen magnum and ends at L1 or L2. ● White Matter: Contains ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) tracts. ● Gray Matter: Butterfly-shaped area containing cell bodies. 3. Physical Examination Components A complete neurological assessment includes six main areas: mental status, cranial nerves, motor function, cerebellar function, sensory function, and reflexes . Mental Status and Cranial Nerves ● Mental Status: Assessed through general appearance, affect, memory, and logic during the health history. ● Cranial Nerves (I–XII): Evaluated through specific tasks, such as testing smell (CN I), visual acuity (CN II), extraocular movements (CN III, IV, VI), and facial symmetry (CN VII). Motor and Cerebellar Function ● Muscles: Inspected for size, contour, and involuntary movements (tremors, ti