Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

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2:18 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

A professor unexpectedly blew a loud horn in his anatomy and physiology class. The students looked up, startled. The reflexive movements of their eyes were mediated by the:
a. Cerebral cortex
b. Inferior olives
c. Raphe nuclei
d. Superior colliculi
e. Nucleus gracilis

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context of the problem: The question is asking about the neural structure responsible for mediating reflexive eye movements in response to a sudden auditory stimulus (the loud horn). Reflexive movements are typically controlled by specific brainstem structures rather than higher brain regions like the cerebral cortex.

Review the anatomy and function of the listed options: a) The cerebral cortex is involved in higher-order processing and voluntary movements, not reflexive actions. b) The inferior olives are part of the medulla and are involved in motor coordination, not reflexive eye movements. c) The raphe nuclei are involved in serotonin release and modulating mood, not reflexive movements. d) The superior colliculi are part of the midbrain and are specifically involved in visual reflexes and coordinating eye movements. e) The nucleus gracilis is part of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway, which processes fine touch and proprioception, not reflexive eye movements.

Focus on the superior colliculi: The superior colliculi are part of the tectum in the midbrain and play a key role in processing visual stimuli and coordinating reflexive eye movements in response to sudden sensory inputs, such as a loud sound.

Eliminate incorrect options: Based on the functions of the listed structures, eliminate options a, b, c, and e, as they do not mediate reflexive eye movements in response to auditory stimuli.

Conclude that the correct answer is d) Superior colliculi, as this structure is responsible for integrating sensory information and coordinating reflexive eye movements in response to sudden stimuli like the loud horn.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Reflexive Eye Movements

Reflexive eye movements are automatic responses that occur in reaction to sudden stimuli, such as a loud noise. These movements are crucial for visual orientation and protection, allowing individuals to quickly focus on potential threats in their environment.

Superior Colliculi

The superior colliculi are paired structures located in the midbrain that play a key role in visual processing and reflexive eye movements. They integrate sensory information and coordinate eye movements toward stimuli, making them essential for quick reactions to unexpected events.

Neural Pathways

Neural pathways are networks of neurons that transmit signals between different parts of the nervous system. In the context of reflexive movements, these pathways facilitate rapid communication between sensory inputs and motor outputs, enabling swift reactions to stimuli without the need for conscious thought.

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Textbook Question

The neural cells responsible for the analysis of sensory inputs and coordination of motor outputs are:

(a) Neuroglia

(b) Interneurons

(d) Motor neurons

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Why can't most neurons in the CNS be replaced when they are lost to injury or disease?

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Describe the stages of sleep and outline the order in which we progress through these stages during a typical night's sleep

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Explain how the cerebellum is physically connected to the brain stem.

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Textbook Question

Choose the correct term from the key to respond to the statements describing various brain areas.

Key:

a. Cerebellum

b. Corpora quadrigemina

c. Corpus callosum

d. Striatum

e. Hypothalamus

f. Medulla

g. Midbrain

h. Pons

i. Thalamus

________ (1) basal nuclei involved in fine control of motor activities

________ (2) region where there is a crossover of fibers of descending pyramidal tracts

________ (3) control of temperature, autonomic nervous system reflexes, hunger, and water balance

________ (4) houses the substantia nigra and cerebral aqueduct

________ (5) relay stations for visual and auditory stimuli input; found in midbrain

________ (6) houses vital centers for control of the heart, respiration, and blood pressure

________ (7) brain area through which all the sensory input is relayed to get to the cerebral cortex

________ (8) brain area most concerned with equilibrium, body posture, and coordination of motor activity

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Textbook Question

Colleen falls down a flight of stairs and bumps her head several times. Soon after, she develops a headache and blurred vision. Diagnostic tests at the hospital reveal an epidural hematoma in the temporoparietal area. The hematoma is pressing against the brainstem. What other signs and symptoms might she experience as a result of the injury?

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Textbook Question

Choose the proper term to respond to the statements describing various brain areas.

a. Cerebellum

b. Corpora quadrigemina

c. Corpus callosum

d. Hypothalamus

e. Medulla

f. Midbrain

g. Pons

h. Thalamus