Biology Chapter 2: The Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the Central Nervous System?

To transmit sensory information to the brain

To regulate body temperature

To control and coordinate all essential functions of the human body (correct)

To send motor signals to muscles and glands

What is the term for the process of bringing together, processing, and interpreting information received from sensory, motor, or mixed nerves?

Motor function

Sensory function

Stimuli

Integration (correct)

What is the term for the information gathered by the nervous system from sensory receptors?

Stimuli

Nervous response

Sensory input (correct)

Motor output

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for sending information to muscles, glands, and organs?

Motor function Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Spinal Cord in the Nervous System?

To transmit sensory information to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System?

To regulate involuntary actions such as heart rate and digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the changes that occur inside and outside the body that are detected by sensory receptors?

Stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Peripheral Nervous System?

To transmit sensory information to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the majority of nerves classified as?

Mixed nerves Signup and view all the answers

What system is responsible for controlling skeletal muscles?

Somatic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Bringing the body back to normal Signup and view all the answers

Which nerves are responsible for controlling facial expressions?

Facial nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Vagus nerves?

Regulating breathing and digestion Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of Cranial Nerves are there?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of neurons in the nervous system?

To transmit nerve impulses Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Trigeminal nerves?

Regulating jaw movements and sensations in the face Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons make up the Sympathetic Nervous System?

Motor neurons that stimulate internal organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated proportion of glial cells to neurons in the human brain?

Equal in number to neurons Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main parts of the nervous system in vertebrate species?

Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Central Nervous System?

To integrate incoming sensory information and issue instructions Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of nerves in the Peripheral Nervous System?

Efferent and Afferent Nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of glial cells in the nervous system?

To provide support and nutrition, maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and participate in signal transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Peripheral Nervous System?

To connect the CNS to every other part of the body Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System

The nervous system is the master controlling and communicating system of the body, controlling and coordinating all essential functions of the human body.

Functions of the Nervous System

Sensory function: monitors changes inside and outside the body, gathering information through sensory receptors.
Integrative function: processes and interprets information, making decisions about what to do.
Motor function: sends information to muscles, glands, and organs to respond correctly.

Cells of the Nervous System

Two main categories: neurons and glial cells.
Neurons: specialized cells transmitting nerve impulses.
Glial cells: non-neuronal cells providing support, nutrition, and maintaining homeostasis.

Structural Classification of the Nervous System

Consists of two main parts: central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Central Nervous System

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, acting as integrating and command centers.
Integrates incoming sensory information and issues instructions based on past experience and current condition.

Peripheral Nervous System

Consists of nerves outside the CNS, connecting the CNS to every other part of the body.
12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
Nerves can be motor, sensory, or mixed.

Autonomic Nervous System

Has two functional divisions: autonomic nervous system and somatic nervous system.
Autonomic nervous system: controls automatic body functions, such as saliva production, breathing, and digestion.
Somatic nervous system: controls deliberately produced body functions, such as skeletal muscles.

Functional Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

Sympathetic nervous system: prepares the body for stress, stimulating internal organs.
Parasympathetic nervous system: brings things back to normal, inhibiting internal organs.

Cranial Nerves

12 pairs of cranial nerves, each with specific functions, such as:
- Olfactory nerves: smell
- Optic nerves: vision
- Oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens: eye movements
- Trigeminal nerves: jaw movements and facial sensation
- Facial nerves: facial expressions
- Auditory nerves: sounds
- Glossopharyngeal and hypoglossal nerves: tasting, chewing, and swallowing
- Vagus nerves: breathing, blood circulation, and digestion
- Spinal accessory nerves: detect changes in neck and back muscles