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Questions and Answers
What is the basic cell of the nervous system?
What is the basic cell of the nervous system?
Neuron
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
Protects the axon and speeds up transmission of messages
Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood and sleep?
Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood and sleep?
An overproduction of dopamine is associated with depression.
An overproduction of dopamine is associated with depression.
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_____ are chemical messengers that affect other tissues.
_____ are chemical messengers that affect other tissues.
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What condition may result from a degradation of the myelin sheath?
What condition may result from a degradation of the myelin sheath?
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What gland is considered the most vital in the endocrine system?
What gland is considered the most vital in the endocrine system?
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What system directs the body's chemical communication through hormones?
What system directs the body's chemical communication through hormones?
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What neurotransmitter helps calm the body after stress?
What neurotransmitter helps calm the body after stress?
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Match the following neurotransmitters with their effects:
Match the following neurotransmitters with their effects:
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Study Notes
The Nervous System: A Communication Network
- Consists of nerve cells called neurons.
- Neurons transmit information through electric signals.
- The brain is composed of billions of neurons.
Neuron Structures
- Cell body: Controls cell growth. Contains vital parts such as the nucleus, DNA, mitochondria, and chromosomes.
- Dendrites: Receive and carry messages.
- Axon: Transmits electrical impulses from the cell body to other neurons, glands, or muscles.
- Myelin Sheath: Protects the axon and speeds up message transmission. Degradation can lead to multiple sclerosis, a condition impacting the brain and spinal cord resulting in various symptoms like vision problems, movement issues, and sensory and balance difficulties.
Neurotransmitters
- Chemicals that facilitate communication between neurons.
- Crucial for movement and emotions, influencing mood, sleep, and concentration.
- Imbalances can cause adverse symptoms.
Types of Neurotransmitters
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Excitatory Neurotransmitters:
- Norepinephrine: Regulates alertness and arousal.
- Glutamate: Involved in memory. Excess levels can cause seizures, migraines, and increased sensitivity to MSG.
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Inhibitory Neurotransmitters:
- Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): Calms the body following stress or trauma. Imbalances can contribute to depression, dystonia, hypersomnia, and other conditions.
- Serotonin: Affects mood, sleep, and appetite. Low levels are linked to depression.
- Acetylcholine: Enables muscle action, learning, and memory. Decreased production can lead to Alzheimer's disease.
- Dopamine: Plays a role in movement, learning, attention, pleasure, and emotions. Excessive dopamine is associated with schizophrenia.
The Endocrine System: Slow Chemical Communication
- A network of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.
- Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands, traveling through the bloodstream to impact various tissues.
- Influence mood, arousal, circadian rhythm, metabolism, immune system function, growth, and sexual reproduction.
Key Endocrine Glands and Their Functions
- Adrenal Glands: Secrete adrenaline, responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
- Pancreas: Produces insulin and glucagon hormones to regulate sugar intake.
- Thyroid and Parathyroid: Secrete hormones that control metabolism and calcium levels. They also produce sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
- Pituitary Gland: The most vital gland in the endocrine system. Stimulates growth during physical development and secretes oxytocin (the love hormone) promoting feelings of trust, love, and related emotions.
The Link Between Nervous and Endocrine Systems
- The nervous system directs the endocrine system, which in turn influences the nervous system.
- This continuous cycle underscores the interconnectedness of these systems.
Brain Function and Behavior
- Franz Joseph Gall's Theory: Different parts of the brain control specific aspects of behavior.
The Central and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
- Central Nervous System (CNS): The body's command center.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Comprises sensory and motor neurons, also found in the CNS.
Understanding Brain-Behavior Connections
- The story of Phineas Gage (accessible on LMS) provides insights into the relationship between brain function and human behavior.
The Brain
- Every part of the brain actively functions, even in simple tasks like walking and talking.
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Description
Explore the fascinating communication network of the nervous system. Learn about neurons, their structures including cell bodies and axons, and the crucial role of neurotransmitters. This quiz covers essential concepts related to brain function and neurological health.
