Chamberlain University-Illinois
BIOS 252
BIOS252 Exam 2 Questions and Answers
2026 Latest Update
List and describe the layers of the meninges. Ans: Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
Pia mater
Dura mater: Ans: -Outer periosteal layer
-most superficial of the three spinal meninges
-thick strong layer composed of dense irregular connective tissue
-surrounds spinal cord and is separated from vertebrae by epidural space
Arachnoid mater: Ans: -middle of the meningeal membranes
-thin, avascular covering comprised of cells and thin, loosely arranged
collagen and elastic fibers
-adheres to dura and is separated from pia by fibers spanning the
subarachnoid space that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Pia mater: Ans: -innermost meninx
-thin transparent connective tissue layer that adheres to the surface of the
spinal cord and brain
-delicate membrane that follows contours of spinal cord
-continues inferiorly as a fibrous terminal filum that fuses with dura to form
coccygeal ligament
satellite cells function Ans: -Surround somas of neurons in the ganglia
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-provide electrical insulation and regulate chemical environment of neurons
microglial cells function Ans: Phagocytize and destroy microorganisms,
foreign matter, and dead nervous tissue
Astrocytes function Ans: -Cover brain surface and nonsynaptic regions of
neurons
-form supportive framework in CNS
-induce formation of blood-brain barrier
-nourish neurons
-produce growth factors that stimulate neurons
-promote the formation of synapses and neural circuitry
-communicate electrically with neurons and may influence synaptic
signaling
-form scar tissue to replace damaged nervous tissue
Schwann cells function Ans: -Form neurilemma around all PNS nerve fibers
and myelin around most of them
-aid in regeneration of damaged nerve fibers
ependymal cells function Ans: -Line cavities of brain and spinal cord
-secrete and circulate cerebrospinal fluid
Wernicke area function Ans: -recognition of spoken and written language
-formulates phrases and transmits plan of speech to Broca area
List and describe the functions of the hypothalamus Ans: -major control
center of the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems
-plays an essential role in the homeostatic regulation of nearly all organs of
the body
-Hormone secretion
-Autonomic effects
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