Chapter 13 – CNS
1. Define CNS.
2. pages 56-59 and 365-366: Describe the embryonic development of the CNS.
a. define ectoderm b. describe the formation of the neural tube c. what structures develop from the neural tube? d. describe the formation of the neural crest e. what structures develop from the neural crest? f. explain how the notochord is involved in the development of the neural tube g. draw and label the formation of the neural tube and neural crest (dorsal and transverse)
3. page 63: Developmental problems.
a. define congenital b. define teratogen and list examples c. what is FAS and how does it affect brain development? d. what causes up to 70% of all neural tube defects?
4. Describe the location and gross anatomy of the spinal cord.
5. Describe a spinal segment
6. Describe the organization of spinal cord white matter into tracts.
7. Describe the organization of spinal cord gray matter.
8. Draw and label a cross section of the spinal cord.
9. Describe the basic function of the brain.
10. Describe the embryonic development of the brain.
a. explain the development of the primary and secondary brain vesicles (you don’t need to know their names); draw and label dorsal views of these vesicles; list the major brain components that develop from each secondary vesicle b. describe the cervical and midbrain flexures c. explain the effect of space limitations on development of the cerebral hemispheres
11. Describe the 4 major regions of the brain and where they are located with respect to each other. Draw a lateral view (not a sagittal section) of the brain showing the 4 major regions (they will be somewhat overlapping).
Strong/Fall 2008 page 1
12. Describe the distribution of gray and white matter in the brain.
13. Describe the brain ventricles and their specific locations. Draw a flow chart that shows their anatomical connections.
14. Describe the location and components of the brainstem. Draw and label a midsagittal section.
15. Describe the location, structure and functions of the medulla oblongata.
16. Explain what is meant by decussation of the pyramids. What is its physiological significance?
17. Describe the location, structure and functions of the pons.
18. Describe the location, structure and functions of the midbrain?
19. Describe the location and significance of the cerebral peduncles.
20. Describe the location and significance of the corpora quadrigemina.
21. Describe the location, structure and basic functions of the cerebellum.
22. Describe the cerebellar peduncles and their function.
23. Describe the location and components of the diencephalon. Draw and label a midsagittal section of the diencephalon.
24. Describe the location of the thalamus and interthalamic adhesion. What are the general functions of the thalamus?
25. Describe the location of the hypothalamus. Name the major functions of the hypothalamus. Draw a sagittal section of the hypothalamus showing the suprachiasmatic, supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei.
26. Describe the location and components of the epithalamus.
27. Describe the 3 “layers” of the cerebrum. Draw a frontal section of the brain showing these structures.
28. Draw and label a lateral view of the cerebral cortex showing the lobes, central sulcus and lateral sulcus.
29. Draw and label a superior view of the cerebral cortex showing the hemispheres, lobes, longitudinal fissure and central sulcus.
Strong/Fall 2008 page 2
30. Explain the relationship between gyri and sulci.
31. Describe the cellular composition of the cerebral cortex.
32. Describe the functional areas of the cerebral cortex (see handout).
33. Explain somatotopy and the significance of this for primary motor and somatosentory functions. Describe the significance of the size of a body part in the sensory homunculus. Describe the significance of the size of a body part in the motor homunculus.
34. List, define and give examples of the three kinds of tracts in cerebral white matter. Draw and label the tracts.
35. Describe the internal capsule and corona radiata. Draw and label a frontal section of the brain showing these structures.
36. Describe the components of the cerebral deep gray matter.
37. Describe the components, location and functions of the limbic system.
38. Describe the location and functions of the reticular formation.
39. Name the 3 things that protect the entire CNS and the additional thing that protects the brain.
40. Describe the meninges and the spaces they create. How do these differ between the brain and spinal cord? What are the falx cerebri, falx cerebelli and tentorium cerebelli? Draw and label a frontal section showing arachnoid villi, the subarachnoid space and a dural sinus.
41. What is cerebrospinal fluid? Where and how is it formed? What is its function?
42. Describe the circulation and reabsorption of CSF. Draw a sagittal section of the brain showing the CSF circulation.
43. Describe the blood-brain barrier. Draw and label a diagram showing the relationship between CSF, ependymal cells, neurons, brain tissue fluid, and neurons.
44. Explain the general features of ascending and descending pathways in the CNS.
45. Describe the general functions of ascending tracts. Describe the general functions of descending tracts.
46. For these tracts, describe the origin, termination, and function:
Strong/Fall 2008 page 3 a. fasciculus cuneatus and fasciculus gracilis b. spinocerebellar c. corticospinal d. rubrospinal
47. Draw and label a diagram of the corticospinal tracts.
at end, summarize pyramidal tracts and draw
Draw and label a diagram of the pyramidal tracts from cortex to spinal cord.
Strong/Fall 2008 page 4