Anatomy & Physiology

The Nervous System

Instructions: Please read each section/question carefully. Answer questions in complete sentences, and if/when you need to cite outside materials, please use footnotes. All work is to be typed, and may be submitted either by email or in class. This assignment is due no later than midnight Tuesday August 7th. NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED.

Short Answer:

1)Define: Sulcus & Gyri What do such features of the brain represent in terms of function?

2) Name the protective features ‘Mother Nature’ endowed mammals with to protect the CNS. Explain how each contributes to this function. Knowing this, do you think the use of headgear in sports, such as football, ice hockey and stunt bike riding is still necessary? Explain

3) Compare the methods by which the cerebrospinal fluid and the blood-brain barrier provide protection to the brain.

4) Would a brain tumor that destroyed the functioning of nerve cells in the medulla lead to death quicker than a tumor of the same size on the cerebral cortex? Defend your answer

5) Discuss the ventricles: where are they located, their function and how they interconnect. What cells are closely associated with their function?

6) When entering a dark room on a sunny day, why does it take some time to see in the dark room?

7) Jack’s mom always told him to wait an hour after eating before swimming. Jack thought this was silly advice. Explain to Jack how physiologically sound this advice really is.

Case Study A

Jalen has just touched a hot stove burner with his hand.

Q1: Summarize the events that occur as he initiates a withdrawal reflex. Describe the locations of all neurons involved.

Case Study B

A boxer is hit in the jaw very hard, his head and therefore his medulla and reticular activating system [RAS] are twisted sharply.

Q1: Why might this result in a knockout in which the boxer loses consciousness?

Q2: If the medulla were injured from the twisting, what other possible ramifications should the trainer watch for?

Case Study C

Vern was riding a motorcycle, when it was side swiped by a large pickup truck. He was thrown and landed hard about 30 feet from impact, sustaining quite a few broken bones. As his injuries healed, subsequent exams found some muscular problems.

Q1: For each of the following, state what nerve is damaged:

Unable to flex the leg [at hip]

Unable to adduct the thigh

Q2: Vern also has some sensory damage. For each of the following indicate which nerve is damaged:

Loss of sensation from the skin of the lateral thigh

Loss of sensation from the skin of the lateral lower leg and foot

Case Study C

Ima Student went to see an otolaryngologist because she had difficulty hearing. A week previously she had a sinus infection and sore throat, but apparently that condition had resolved. After performing numerous tests, the doctor explained that she had a middle ear infection with an accumulation of fluid and that it was the result of the sinus infection and sore throat.

Q1: How would fluid in the middle ear reduce the ability to perceive sound?

Q2: Explain how a sore throat and sinus infection can result in a middle ear infection.

Case Study D

Gina stumbled during her floor exercise during the gymnastics competition, but she was able to recover her balance.

Q1: Identify the main sensory receptors responsible for equilibrium. [PNS & CNS]

Q2: Identify the specific regions of her brain that work in maintaining her balance.