General Human Anatomy

Lecture 19: Nervous System

Dr. Ayman Alzubi

Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University
 The Nervous System

• The Nervous System is complex network of nerve cells (neurons)

that regulate body processes.

• It is involved in most body functions.

• It is responsible for sensations, mental activity, control of

muscles and regulates the activities of glands.
 Neurons
• Nerve cells are called neurons

• Each Neuron consist of :

1. Cell body
2. Dendrites: transmit impulses toward the cell body.
3. Axon: transmit impulses away from the cell body of a neuron.

• Synapse: is small gap between the axon of one neuron and the
dendrites or cell body of the next neuron.
• There are three types of Neurons:
1. Sensory neurons (afferent neurons): carry impulses (sensory
information) from receptors to the central nervous system.

2. Motor neurons (efferent neurons): carry impulses (motor

orders) from the central nervous system to the effectors
(muscles and glands).

3. Interneurons (relay neurons): completely found within the

central nervous system.
 Divisions of the Nervous System

1. Central nervous system (CNS):

consists of brain and spinal cord.

2. Peripheral nervous system (PNS):

consists of cranial nerves (from
the brain) and spinal nerves (from
the spinal cord).
 Brain

• Is the part enclosed in the

cranial cavity of the skull.

• It consists of three parts:

1. Cerebrum
2. Diencephalon
3. Cerebellum
4. Brainstem
Cerebrum
• The largest portion of the brain.

• It is divided into right and left

hemispheres (cerebral hemispheres) by
the longitudinal fissure.

• The two hemispheres are connected

together at the corpus callosum.

• It has many folds (gyri) and grooves (sulci).

Left hemisphere Right hemisphere
 Sulcus

Gyrus
• Each cerebral hemisphere is divided into four
anatomical lobes:
1. Frontal
2. Parietal
3. Temporal
4. Occipital
• The outer surface of the cerebrum is formed of grey matter and
called the cerebral cortex.
• The inner surface of the cerebrum is formed of white matter.

Grey matter and White matter

• Functionally the brain is divided into motor areas and sensory areas.
Diencephalon
• Deep part inside the brain, surrounded by
the cerebral hemispheres. It consists of
thalamus and hypothalamus.

1- Thalamus:
Th
• Olive shaped structure deep in the brain at the
top of the brainstem.

• It is a gateway to the cerebral cortex

• All sensations (except smell) pass through

thalamus in their way to the cerebral cortex (acts
as relay station for the sensory pathways).
2- Hypothalamus:
• Lies below thalamus

• Functions:

1. Control of autonomic nervous

system.
2. Regulates fluid intake and
body temperature.
3. Controls endocrine system.
Brain Stem
• The part of brain connects cerebrum
with the spinal cord

• It consists of:
1. Midbrain
2. Pons
3. Medulla oblongata

• 10 of the 12 cranial nerves originate

from the brain stem.
Thalamus

Hypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Midbrain
Pons
Medulla Oblongata
Cerebellum
• Connected to the back of brainstem,
situated inferior to the occipital lobes
of the cerebrum.

• Its function is to control planning,

learning and practicing complex
movements. It also controls balance
and eye movements.
 Ventricular System
• They are four cavities that lie within the brain, and filled
with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

1. Two lateral ventricles: C-shaped cavities lie within

the cerebral hemispheres

2. Third ventricle: narrow, slit-like cavity lies

between the two thalami

3. Fourth ventricle: lies between the cerebellum and

brain stem.

• The lateral vernicles connected to 3rd ventricle via

interventricular foramen (Foramen of Monro).

• The third ventricle connected the 4th ventricle via the

cerebral aqueduct.
Cerebral aqueduct

Fourth ventricle
 Spinal Cord
• It is a part of C.N.S that lies within the vertebral
(spinal) canal.

• Begins: at foramen magnum as direct

continuation of medulla.

• Ends: at lower border of L1 (Lumber vertebra)

▪ The tapered, lower end of the spinal cord is
called the conus medullaris.

• The cauda equina (from Latin horse's tail) is a

bundle of spinal nerves extending below Conus
medullaris.
31 pairs of spinal nerves originates from the spinal cord
Conus medullaris
 Meninges of the Brain and Spinal Cord

• The brain and the spinal cord are

surrounded by connective tissue
membranes called meninges.

• From outward to inwards they are:

1. Dura mater
2. Arachnoid mater
3. Pia mater
 Meninges of the Brain and Spinal Cord

• Dura Mater - a tough, fibrous outer most layer

• Arachnoid - Middle Layer - contains blood vessels.

• Pia Mater - loose tissue that covers the brain

• Subarachnoid Space:
• The space between arachnoid and pia mater
• Filled with CSF
 Cerebrospinal Fluid (C.S.F)

• It is a clear colorless fluid that lies within the

ventricles and subarachnoid space.

• Volume: 150 ml.

• Formation: produced by the choroid plexus

in the lateral ventricles and 3rd ventricle.

• Function:
1. Protection of brain.
2. Removal of metabolites.
 Peripheral Nervous System
• Nerves are either sensory nerves or motor nerves:

▪ Sensory nerves (Afferent): send sensory information from sensory

receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints to the CNS
▪ Motor nerves (efferent): carry the motor orders from the CNS to
the muscles and glands.

• Peripheral Nervous System Consists of:

A. 12 pairs of cranial nerves: branching out from the brain.
B. 31 pairs of spinal nerves: carries messages to & from the spinal cord
 Thank you

Ayman.alzubi@yu.edu.jo