Neurophysiology of the central nervous system Dr. Loai Alzghoul
Organization of the nervous system
Levels of the CNS 1)Spinal cord 2)Brain stem and sub cortical 3)Cerebral cortex
3 Major Levels of CNS Function The spinal cord level. –more than just a conduit for signals from periphery of body to brain and vice versa. –cord contains: walking circuits. reflexes circuits.
The brain stem and subcortical Contains: –medulla, pons, mesencephalon, hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebellum and basal ganglia. Controls subconscious body activities: –arterial pressure, respiration, equilibrium, feeding reflexes, emotional patterns.
The Higher Brain or Cortical Level Higher order functions : language, thoughts and personality Large memory storehouse. Each portion of the nervous system performs specific functions, but it is the cortex that opens the world up for one’s mind.
Organization of the Nervous System Sensory Division –tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory. Motor Division –respond to and move about in our environment. Integrative Division –process information, creation of memory.
Figure 45-2 Somatosensory Axis of the Nervous System
Figure 45-3 Skeletal Motor Nerve Axis of the Nervous System
Terminology: Afferent VS Efferent
Terminology: 1 st order, 2 nd order and 3 rd order neurons
Histology of the NS
Neuron Structure
Types of neurons
Neuroglia
Myelination
Neuroglia Myelination In PNS = Schwann cell
Neuroglia Form the blood- cerebrospinal fluid barrier
Neuroglia
Phagocytize
Neuroglia Astrocytes 1)Support for neurons 2)Form the blood –brain barrier 3)Learning and memory 4)Maintain the prober environment for the neurons
Neuroglia Astrocytes 1)Support for neurons 2)Form the blood –brain barrier 3)Learning and memory 4)Maintain the prober environment for the neurons In PNS = Satellite cells
Nervous tissue
Gray matter : neuron cells White natter: myelinated axons
Synapses and Neurotransmitters
Communication Between Neurons Synapse:
Communication Between Neurons Synapse: A specialized site of contact, and transmission of information between a neuron and an effector cell Figure 45-5 Anterior Motor Neuron
Communication Between Neurons Electrical synapse
Communication Between Neurons Electrical synapse Chemical synapse
Communication Between Neurons Chemical synapse Neurotransmitter: is a messenger of neurologic information from one cell to another.
Synaptic Transmission
Action of Neurotransmitter on Postsynaptic Neuron postsynaptic membrane contains receptor proteins for the transmitter released from the presynaptic terminal. The effect of neurotransmitter on the post synaptic neuron depend on the type of the receptor
Action of Neurotransmitter on Postsynaptic Neuron Two types of receptors –Ion channels receptors
Action of Neurotransmitter on Postsynaptic Neuron Two types of receptors –Ion channels receptors –Second messenger receptors
Ion Channels receptors transmitters that open sodium channels excite the postsynaptic neuron. transmitters that open chloride channels inhibit the postsynaptic neuron. transmitters that open potassium channels inhibit the postsynaptic neuron.
Seconded messenger receptors (as example G-protein) Ion Channel 1.Opening specific ion channels 2.Activation of cAMP or cGMP 3.Activation of one or more intracellular enzymes 4.Activation of gene transcription.