BIOL2002SEF Human Anatomy: The Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of neuroglia in the nervous system?

They transmit electrical impulses throughout the nervous system.

They form the protective layer around neurons.

They provide support and aid neuronal function. (correct)

They are responsible for the generation of neural signals.

What are the three fundamental physiological properties of neurons?

Growth, Division, and Respiration

Receptivity, Transmission, and Regulation

Excitability, Conductivity, and Secretion (correct)

Sensation, Response, and Adaptation

Which of the following types of neuroglia is NOT found in the peripheral nervous system?

Schwann cells

Ependymal cells (correct)

Oligodendrocytes (correct)

Satellite cells

What distinguishes sensory neurons from motor neurons in terms of their structural classification?

Sensory neurons can be unipolar or bipolar, while motor neurons are typically multipolar. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a neuron is primarily responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about synapses is NOT true?

Electrical synapses are slower than chemical synapses. Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical components protect the central nervous system?

Cranium and vertebral column Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the brain in the human body?

Control and integration of bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

In terms of structural classification, which type of neuron is involved in reflex arcs?

Multipolar neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the brain's structure is true?

The brain's surface is marked by both gyri and sulci. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies the layers of the meninges?

Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, Pia mater Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

A clear fluid providing a protective cushion Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the brain includes the largest part, the cerebrum?

Forebrain Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily contained within the myelencephalon?

Medulla oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What is the average thickness of the spinal cord in adults?

1.8 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the structure of gray matter in the spinal cord?

Butterfly or H-shaped in cross section Signup and view all the answers

What function is NOT one of the principal roles of the spinal cord?

Respiration Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron is responsible for carrying impulses to effectors?

Motor neuron Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes white matter in the spinal cord?

Composed of myelinated axons Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tract carries sensory information up the spinal cord?

Ascending tract Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following spinal cord regions is not classified as one of the main regions?

Fornix region Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main groups of neurons?

Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron carries impulses to muscles and glands?

Efferent neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of a nerve's connective tissue structure?

Myelinium Signup and view all the answers

What happens to neurons that are not carrying an impulse?

They have abundant Na+ ions outside the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cranial nerves is true?

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of motor neuron is connected to skeletal muscles?

Somatic neuron Signup and view all the answers

How are spinal nerves classified in terms of their pairs?

31 pairs, consisting of specific segments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of interneurons?

To integrate sensory and motor impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerves contribute to the phrenic nerve?

C3 – C5 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the sympathetic division of the ANS from the parasympathetic division?

It originates from the thoracolumbar region. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers?

Parasympathetic division Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is responsible for skin and muscle innervation of the posterior arm and forearm?

Radial nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

Regulating heart rate and blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscle does the autonomic nervous system primarily control?

Smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerve roots contribute to the sciatic nerve?

L4 – S3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of intercostal nerves?

Control chest wall movement and abdominal muscles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of the Nervous System

Composed of two main subdivisions: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Cells of the Nervous System

Two primary cell types: Neurons (functional unit) and Neuroglia (supportive cells).
Neurons possess excitability, conductivity, and secretion properties.

Structure and Classification of Neurons

Typical neuron comprises three parts: Soma (cell body), Dendrites, and Axon.
Classified functionally as:
- Sensory (afferent) neurons
- Interneurons (association)
- Motor neurons (efferent)
Classified structurally as:
- Unipolar
- Bipolar
- Multipolar
- Anaxonic

Types of Neuroglia (Glia)

Six forms identified, including four in the CNS:
- Oligodendrocytes
- Ependymal cells
- Microglia
- Astrocytes
Two in the PNS:
- Schwann cells
- Satellite cells

Synaptic Transmission

Synapse is the junction between a neuron and another cell.
Types include chemical synapses and electrical synapses.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Protected by the cranium and vertebral column.
Surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, composed of gray matter and white matter.

Anatomy of the Brain

Adult brain approximately weighs 1.5 kg (3-3.5 lbs) and comprises roughly 100 billion neurons.
Divided into three regions: Forebrain, Midbrain, and Hindbrain.
Lined by membranes called meninges (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) for protection.

Ventricles and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Four internal ventricles: two lateral, one third, and one fourth.
Fourth ventricle located in the brainstem; cerebral aqueduct connects third and fourth ventricles.
CSF provides protection and cushioning.

Forebrain Components

Divided into Telencephalon (cerebrum) and Diencephalon (thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, pituitary gland).
Cerebrum is the largest brain region with prominent gyri and sulci, divided into hemispheres.

Hindbrain Anatomy

Houses the Myelencephalon (medulla oblongata), resembling the spinal cord in structure.

Spinal Cord Structure

Elongated cylindrical structure, averaging 1.8 cm thick and 45 cm long in adults.
Extensions give rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves across cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions.
Functions include conduction, locomotion, and reflexes.

Nervous Tissue Composition

Gray matter contains somas and dendrites with sites for synaptic contact.
White matter consists of myelinated axons organized into tracts (ascending and descending).

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Encompasses all nervous system elements outside the CNS, including sensory receptors, neurons, and ganglia.
Nerves categorized into cranial and spinal nerves.

Nerve Anatomy

Composed of numerous nerve fibers (axons) encased in connective tissue.
Covers include endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium.

Types of Neurons

Main classes of neurons include sensory (afferent), motor (efferent), and interneurons.

Cranial and Spinal Nerves

Twelve pairs of cranial nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for sensory and motor functions.
Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves categorized into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

Major Peripheral Nerves

Phrenic nerve: Diaphragm
Radial nerve: Skin and muscles of the posterior arm
Median nerve: Anterior arm, forearm, and hand
Ulnar nerve: Medial arm and hand
Sciatic nerve: Posterior thigh, leg, and foot

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Motor system regulating glands, cardiac, and smooth muscle.
Comprises sympathetic (thoracolumbar) and parasympathetic (craniosacral) divisions, controlling involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.

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Description

This quiz covers the human nervous system focusing on its major subdivisions, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. It also explores the different types of cells that compose the nervous system, such as neurons and neuroglia. Test your knowledge on this essential aspect of human anatomy.