Biology Chapter: The Human Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

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

To transport oxygen in the bloodstream

To carry messages throughout the body (correct)

To assist in digestion and metabolism

To produce hormones necessary for growth

Which part of the neuron is responsible for nourishing the cell and connecting dendrites to the axon?

Neuron membrane

Axon terminal

Dendrite

Soma (cell body) (correct)

What happens if a neuron is destroyed?

It can regenerate through mitosis

It cannot be replaced (correct)

It can be replaced by another neuron

It transforms into another type of cell

What does the term 'amitotic' indicate about neurons?

They cannot divide or reproduce Signup and view all the answers

What component of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

In what way are neurons similar to machines?

Both convert energy from one form to another Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the primary role of the nervous system?

To carry messages between the brain and the body Signup and view all the answers

How do researchers study the functions within the brain effectively?

By studying individual parts of the brain and their roles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cell body in a neuron?

To carry genetic information and maintain structure Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for conducting neural impulses away from the cell body?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What role do the nodes of Ranvier serve in myelinated axons?

They facilitate saltatory conduction of action potentials Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

To speed up conduction of information and provide insulation Signup and view all the answers

What do terminal buttons do?

Transmit signals to other neurons at synapses Signup and view all the answers

How many glial cells are approximately equivalent to one neuron?

10 Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is known as adrenaline?

Epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

In what situation does adrenaline typically get produced?

In high stress or exciting situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of endorphins in the body?

To create a feeling of well-being or euphoria Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron is responsible for conducting impulses from sense organs towards the brain?

Sensory neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily housed within the central nervous system?

Brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the role of the spinal cord?

It integrates sensory and motor pathways. Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron connects sensory neurons to motor neurons?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

Which ions are positively charged and have fewer electrons than protons?

Cations Signup and view all the answers

What is one common way to stimulate the release of endorphins?

Engaging in physical exercise Signup and view all the answers

How does the brain contribute to our functioning and experiences?

It assembles messages and stores information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of endocrine glands?

To secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is referred to as the 'master gland' and what is its primary role?

Pituitary gland, regulating other glands Signup and view all the answers

What condition may result from the over secretion of growth hormone?

Giantism Signup and view all the answers

What effect does hyperthyroidism have on an individual?

Increased metabolism and irritability Signup and view all the answers

What does an under secretion of cortin lead to in males?

Loss of appetite and excessive fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What main hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla?

Adrenaline Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the impact of hypothyroidism in adults?

Fatigue and depression Signup and view all the answers

What condition is likely to occur due to iodine deficiency related to thyroid function?

Hyperthyroidism Signup and view all the answers

What role does adrenaline play in the body?

It prepares the body for physical exertion by increasing strength. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of insulin as secreted by the pancreas?

It regulates the sugar level in the blood. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the function of gonads?

Testes produce testosterone for male secondary characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is primarily involved in motor function?

Motor homunculus in the frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

How does the brain contribute to coordination and balance?

Via interactions in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if there is an excess of insulin in the bloodstream?

The individual may experience extreme weakness and collapse. Signup and view all the answers

What essential function is NOT attributed to the brain?

Circulation of blood Signup and view all the answers

What does progesterone do in females?

Thickens the uterine wall. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is most closely associated with temporary loss of brain function due to interrupted blood supply?

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of recurrent head trauma?

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following brain conditions is characterized by a loss of consciousness and memory impairment?

Concussion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism behind ischemic stroke?

Blood clot obstructing blood flow Signup and view all the answers

Which type of headache is often associated with stress and fatigue?

Tension headache Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of a traumatic brain injury?

Paralysis Signup and view all the answers

Which medical examination is NOT typically used for diagnosing brain conditions?

Blood sugar test Signup and view all the answers

What type of headache can occur as a result of an infection affecting the meninges?

Meningitis headache Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

The human nervous system converts energy from food into bodily actions.
Researchers examine the functions of different brain parts.
The nervous system comprises the central and peripheral nervous systems.

The Human Nervous System

Complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord.
The system includes the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Neuron

Nerve cells (neurons) carry nerve impulses.
Neurons are specialized and do not reproduce.
If a neuron is destroyed, it cannot be replaced.
Neurons transmit information throughout the body, including sensory input and signals from the brain to muscles.

Parts of the Neuron

Soma (cell body): Contains the nucleus and is responsible for the neuron's life.
Dendrites: Short fibers that receive information from other neurons.
Axon: Long extension that transmits messages to other cells.
Nodes of Ranvier: Microscopic gaps in myelinated axons that speed up action potential propagation.
Myelin sheath: Protective coating that speeds up nerve impulse conduction.
Terminal buttons: Small knobs at the ends of axon branches to form synapses.
Synapse: Junction between the terminal buttons of one neuron and dendrites of another.
Glia: Cells that surround and support neurons and provide insulation between them.

Neurotransmitters

The table displays various neurotransmitters and their functions.

Divisions of Nervous System

Central nervous system (CNS): Brain and spinal cord. Interprets and stores information.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS): Connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body; carries information and controls movement.
- Autonomic nervous system: Automatically regulates glands, internal organs, blood vessels.
  - Sympathetic division: Prepares body for stress.
  - Parasympathetic division: Maintains body functions in ordinary times.
- Somatic nervous system: Carries sensory information and controls skeletal muscles.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain: The seat of consciousness and higher mental processes.
Spinal cord: Main pathway for sensory and motor impulses between the brain and the body.

Parts of the Brain

Cerebral cortex: The outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres. Important part of human cognition.
- Frontal lobes: Personality, judgment, planning.
- Parietal lobes: Interpretation of language, touch, pain.
- Temporal lobes: Memory, understanding language.
- Occipital lobes: Visual processing.
Limbic system: Involved in self-preservation, learning, memory, emotions, and pleasure, located between the central core and cerebral cortex.
Central core: Innermost structure; contains the medulla (regulates heartbeat and breathing), pons (coordinates muscle movement), reticular formation (arouses the body and screens stimuli for sleep), and thalamus (a relay station for sensory input). Hypothalamus: Maintains homeostasis. Cerebellum: Balance and coordination of voluntary movements.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Somatic nervous system: Controls voluntary movements.
Autonomic nervous system: Regulates involuntary functions (heart rate, digestion).

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones.
Pituitary gland: "Master gland" that regulates other glands.
Thyroid gland: Controls metabolism.
Adrenal glands: React to stressful situations.
Pancreas: Regulates blood sugar.
Gonads (testes and ovaries): Produce hormones related to secondary sexual characteristics.

Common Conditions

Headaches, Traumatic brain injury, Concussion, Transient ischemic attack (TIA), Stroke, brain aneurysm, Dementia, Multiple sclerosis, Epilepsy, Meningitis or encephalitis, Brain tumors.

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Description

This quiz covers the structure and function of the human nervous system, focusing on neurons and their components. Explore how the nervous system processes information and the roles of the central and peripheral systems. Test your knowledge on how nerve impulses work.