Database questions Neuro-anatomy
CHAPTER 1 - Development, Composition, and Evolution of the NS
What is meant by 'primary brain vesicles' ?
The forebrain = prosencephalon they contain the tel- and diencephalon
The midbrain contains the mesencephalon
The hindbrain = rhombencephalon they contain the met- and myelencephalon
What is meant by 'secondary brain vesicles' ?
The secondary brain vesicles contain the tel-, di-, mes-, met- and myelencephalon.
What is the importance of the neural crest ?
Cells from neural crest migrate laterally and ventrally and give rise to a variation of
structures but most important: PNS!
The neural tube is formed by a wall and a lumen ? What is the importance of these
two components ?
Regionalization of the neural tube also occurs as a result of changes in the shape of the tube.
In the cephalic end (where the brain will form), the wall of the tube is broad and thick. Here,
a series of swellings and constrictions define the various brain compartments.
The ectodermal wall of the tube forms the rudiment of the nervous system.
Lumen of neural tube gives rise to ventricles in the brain and the central canal in spinal cord
Give a structured overview of the construction of the central nervous system from the
embryological point of view of the brain vesicles.
Picture p.8 summary
Neurons and other cells of the NS develop from the dorsal ectoderm of the early embryo.
Ectoderm is the layer that also becomes the epidermis (skin) which covers the surface of the
body
First indication of the future nervous system = neuroectoderm (neural plate), displays itself
on 16th day after fertilization.
,Cells of the neural plate becomes taller than those of the ordinary ectoderm (Day 16), neural
plate grows rapidly. On 18th day: neural groove & neural folds.
• Stage 8: appearance neural folds
• Stage 10: fusion neural folds neural tube (starts in the middle = cervical)
• Stage 11: closure rostral neuropore (day 24)
• Stage 12: closure caudal neuropore (day 27)
From which part of the ectoderm the CNS and PNS arises ?
(The CNS first appears in the embryo as the neural plate, a tadpole-shaped thickening of the
ectoderm rostral to the primitive pit.)
The CNS is formed from the neural tube.
The PNS is formed from the neural crest.
From which embryonic part does the ventricular system arises ?
The ventricular system develops from the single cavity formed from the neural tube.
Explain the development of the meninges.
Membranous coverings of the brain & spinal cord first appearance in 4th
embryonic week mesodermal origin – single layer
Primary meninx (plural: meninges).
(1 week later) Fluid filled spaces & subsequent differentiation 3 layers !
o Pia mater (innermost – closest to the nervous tissue)
o Arachnoid (mater)
o Dura mater (outermost - which lines the cranial cavity and spinal canal)
Subarachnoid space between inner two meningeal layers (contains CSF – cerebrospinal
fluid)
, CHAPTER 2 - Cells of the Nervous System (13-33)
What kind of neurons exist of the basis of their form ?
Motor neurons
Interneurons
Sensory neurons
Give an overview of the different neuroglia linked to their function.
Central: Peripheral:
• Astrocytes Cell of Schwann
• Oligodendrocytes Satellite cells
• Ependymcells
• Microglia
Within the central nervous system, give the name of the excitatory neurotransmitter
and the inhibitory neurotransmitter. Give the name of a cell type that uses it.
Glutamate is the most prominent excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Cell type that uses
it: histamine.
GABA is the most prominent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Cell type that uses it:
serotonin.
What determines the conduction velocity of a nerve ?
The conduction velocity of the action potential is determined by measuring the distance
traveled (length of the nerve in m) and dividing by the time (sec) taken to complete the reflex
arc, also called the latency. Conduction velocity = distance (m)/time (sec). Measurement of
distance is relatively straightforward.
What is the difference between an oligodendrocyte and a Schwann cell ?
The main difference between Schwann cell and oligodendrocyte is that Schwann cell is
wrapped around the axons of the nerve cells found in the PNS whereas oligodendrocyte is
wrapped around the axons of the nerve cells found in the CNS. Schwann cells can wrap
around only a single axon. In contrast, oligodendrocytes can wrap around several axons.
Which space in the central nervous system is filled with cerebrospinal fluid ?
Subarachnoid space
Where is an 'epidural' space ?
The epidural space is found within the spinal canal.
Draw a myelinated neuron and identify its components.
Draw a multipolar neuron.
Draw a bipolar neuron.
Draw a pseudo-unipolar neuron.
A peripheral nerve is surrounded by a endoneurium.
(What types of ion channels exist?) niet kennen
CHAPTER 1 - Development, Composition, and Evolution of the NS
What is meant by 'primary brain vesicles' ?
The forebrain = prosencephalon they contain the tel- and diencephalon
The midbrain contains the mesencephalon
The hindbrain = rhombencephalon they contain the met- and myelencephalon
What is meant by 'secondary brain vesicles' ?
The secondary brain vesicles contain the tel-, di-, mes-, met- and myelencephalon.
What is the importance of the neural crest ?
Cells from neural crest migrate laterally and ventrally and give rise to a variation of
structures but most important: PNS!
The neural tube is formed by a wall and a lumen ? What is the importance of these
two components ?
Regionalization of the neural tube also occurs as a result of changes in the shape of the tube.
In the cephalic end (where the brain will form), the wall of the tube is broad and thick. Here,
a series of swellings and constrictions define the various brain compartments.
The ectodermal wall of the tube forms the rudiment of the nervous system.
Lumen of neural tube gives rise to ventricles in the brain and the central canal in spinal cord
Give a structured overview of the construction of the central nervous system from the
embryological point of view of the brain vesicles.
Picture p.8 summary
Neurons and other cells of the NS develop from the dorsal ectoderm of the early embryo.
Ectoderm is the layer that also becomes the epidermis (skin) which covers the surface of the
body
First indication of the future nervous system = neuroectoderm (neural plate), displays itself
on 16th day after fertilization.
,Cells of the neural plate becomes taller than those of the ordinary ectoderm (Day 16), neural
plate grows rapidly. On 18th day: neural groove & neural folds.
• Stage 8: appearance neural folds
• Stage 10: fusion neural folds neural tube (starts in the middle = cervical)
• Stage 11: closure rostral neuropore (day 24)
• Stage 12: closure caudal neuropore (day 27)
From which part of the ectoderm the CNS and PNS arises ?
(The CNS first appears in the embryo as the neural plate, a tadpole-shaped thickening of the
ectoderm rostral to the primitive pit.)
The CNS is formed from the neural tube.
The PNS is formed from the neural crest.
From which embryonic part does the ventricular system arises ?
The ventricular system develops from the single cavity formed from the neural tube.
Explain the development of the meninges.
Membranous coverings of the brain & spinal cord first appearance in 4th
embryonic week mesodermal origin – single layer
Primary meninx (plural: meninges).
(1 week later) Fluid filled spaces & subsequent differentiation 3 layers !
o Pia mater (innermost – closest to the nervous tissue)
o Arachnoid (mater)
o Dura mater (outermost - which lines the cranial cavity and spinal canal)
Subarachnoid space between inner two meningeal layers (contains CSF – cerebrospinal
fluid)
, CHAPTER 2 - Cells of the Nervous System (13-33)
What kind of neurons exist of the basis of their form ?
Motor neurons
Interneurons
Sensory neurons
Give an overview of the different neuroglia linked to their function.
Central: Peripheral:
• Astrocytes Cell of Schwann
• Oligodendrocytes Satellite cells
• Ependymcells
• Microglia
Within the central nervous system, give the name of the excitatory neurotransmitter
and the inhibitory neurotransmitter. Give the name of a cell type that uses it.
Glutamate is the most prominent excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Cell type that uses
it: histamine.
GABA is the most prominent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Cell type that uses it:
serotonin.
What determines the conduction velocity of a nerve ?
The conduction velocity of the action potential is determined by measuring the distance
traveled (length of the nerve in m) and dividing by the time (sec) taken to complete the reflex
arc, also called the latency. Conduction velocity = distance (m)/time (sec). Measurement of
distance is relatively straightforward.
What is the difference between an oligodendrocyte and a Schwann cell ?
The main difference between Schwann cell and oligodendrocyte is that Schwann cell is
wrapped around the axons of the nerve cells found in the PNS whereas oligodendrocyte is
wrapped around the axons of the nerve cells found in the CNS. Schwann cells can wrap
around only a single axon. In contrast, oligodendrocytes can wrap around several axons.
Which space in the central nervous system is filled with cerebrospinal fluid ?
Subarachnoid space
Where is an 'epidural' space ?
The epidural space is found within the spinal canal.
Draw a myelinated neuron and identify its components.
Draw a multipolar neuron.
Draw a bipolar neuron.
Draw a pseudo-unipolar neuron.
A peripheral nerve is surrounded by a endoneurium.
(What types of ion channels exist?) niet kennen
