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Understanding the Human Nervous System Study Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive introduction to the human nervous system. Learn about its fundamental functions, anatomical organization (CNS and PNS), and functional divisions (Somatic and Autonomic). Explore the roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions in regulating bodily functions and compare the nervous system with the endocrine system.

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Anatomical Terminology and Joint Classification

Human Gross Anatomy Terminology and Joints

An introduction to anatomical terminology, body planes, positions, movements, and the classification and types of joints.

  • Anatomical terminology
  • Anatomical position
  • Body planes
  • Medial and lateral
  • Anterior and posterior
  • Superior and inferior
  • Proximal and distal
  • Contralateral and ipsilateral
  • Abduction and adduction
  • Flexion and extension
  • Medial and lateral rotation
  • Supination and pronation
  • Elevation and depression
  • Circumduction
  • Plantar flexion and dorsiflexion
  • Fibrous joints
  • Cartilaginous joints
  • Synovial joints
  • Hyaline cartilage
  • Synovial fluid

Introduction to the Nervous System

The nervous system functions as a rapid control center that monitors stimuli through sensation, performs integration, and produces motor output through reaction to maintain homeostasis.

  • Nervous system functions
  • Sensation, integration, and reaction
  • Nervous vs. endocrine system
  • Central nervous system
  • Peripheral nervous system
  • Somatic nervous system
  • Autonomic nervous system
  • Sympathetic division
  • Parasympathetic division
  • Spinal nerves
  • Cranial nerves
  • Dermatomes
  • Preganglionic and postganglionic neurons
  • Antagonistic control

Anatomy of the Human Skull

  • Facial bones
  • Neurocranium
  • Viscerocranium
  • Sutures
  • Frontal bone
  • Occipital bone
  • Parietal bone
  • Temporal bone
  • Sphenoid bone
  • Mandible
  • Temporomandibular joint
  • Mastoid process
  • Styloid process

Anatomy of Sphenoid and Ethmoid Bones

This content details the anatomical features, processes, and openings of the sphenoid and ethmoid bones including the sella turcica and cribriform plate.

  • Sphenoid Bone
  • Sella turcica
  • Greater Wings of Sphenoid
  • Lesser Wings of Sphenoid
  • Pterygoid Processes
  • Sphenoid Sinuses
  • Optic canals
  • Chiasmatic Groove
  • Superior Orbital Fissure
  • Foramen Rotundum
  • Ethmoid Bone
  • Cribriform plate

Anatomy of the Neurocranium and Meninges

This content covers the anatomy of the neurocranium including the cranial fossae, ethmoid bone structures, and the three layers of the cranial meninges.

  • Ethmoid bone
  • Perpendicular plate
  • Anterior Cranial Fossa
  • Posterior Cranial Fossa
  • Jugular Foramen
  • Dura Mater
  • Arachnoid Mater
  • Pia Mater
  • Dural Sinuses
  • Falx Cerebri
  • Tentorium Cerebelli
  • Diaphragma Sellae

Tentorium Cerebelli and Tesla Chronology

Meninges and Dural Venous Sinuses

An overview of the meninges, including the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, alongside dural infolds and dural venous sinuses.

  • Tentorium Cerebelli
  • Dural Venous Sinuses
  • Superior Sagittal Sinus
  • Inferior Sagittal Sinus
  • Transverse Sinuses
  • Sigmoid Sinuses
  • Straight Sinus
  • Occipital Sinus
  • Cavernous Sinus
  • Arachnoid Mater
  • Subarachnoid Space
  • Pia Mater
  • Arachnoid Villus
  • Arachnoid Granulations
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Anatomy of the Skull and Head Muscles

Anatomy of the Facial Bones

The skull includes cranial bones and facial bones such as the mandible, maxilla, and zygomatic bones.

  • Mandible
  • Zygomatic bones
  • Nasal bones
  • Lacrimal bones
  • Palatine bones
  • Inferior nasal conchae
  • Vomer
  • Hyoid bone
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
  • Alveolar process
  • Maxillary sinuses
  • Hard palate

Muscles of the Head and Neck

An overview of muscles of the scalp, face, mastication, and neck involved in facial expression, chewing, and head movements.

  • Muscles of facial expression
  • Muscles of mastication
  • Muscles of the scalp
  • Epicranius
  • Cranial nerve VII innervation
  • Muscles of the neck
  • Sternocleidomastoid
  • Splenius capitis
  • Splenius cervicis
  • Trapezius
  • Mastication prime movers

Anatomy of the Trigeminal Nerve

The Trigeminal Nerve (CN V) consists of three major branches including the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular divisions which provide somatic sensory and somatic motor functions.

  • Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)
  • Ophthalmic branch
  • Maxillary branch
  • Mandibular branch
  • Somatic sensory function
  • Somatic motor function
  • Trigeminal Ganglia
  • Muscles of mastication
  • Sensory root
  • Motor root
  • Lacrimal nerve
  • Frontal nerve
  • Nasociliary nerve
  • Infraorbital nerve
  • Pterygopalatine fossa branches
  • Zygomatic nerve
  • Superior alveolar nerves
  • Anterior and posterior trunks of mandibular nerve
  • Auriculotemporal nerve
  • Lingual nerve

Clinical Testing of CN V and CN VII

Clinical testing and problems involving the Trigeminal Nerve (CN V) and Facial Nerve (CN VII).

  • CN V sensory testing
  • CN V motor testing
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Corneal Blink Reflex
  • CN VII anatomy
  • Geniculate Ganglion
  • Greater Petrosal Nerve
  • Nerve to the stapedius muscle
  • CN VII motor testing
  • CN VII sensory testing

Anatomy of the Thorax and Lungs

An overview of the thoracic wall, mediastinum, pleural cavities, pericardium, lungs, and diaphragm.

  • Thoracic wall
  • Thoracic cavity
  • Bony landmarks of the thorax
  • Rib classifications
  • Thoracic apertures
  • Mediastinum divisions
  • Pleural cavities
  • Parietal and visceral pleura
  • Pleural recesses
  • Pericardium layers
  • Lung surfaces and lobes
  • Bronchial tree
  • Diaphragm anatomy and function
  • Breathing mechanics

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