Biology - Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What hormone is essential for maintaining the integrity of the corpus luteum during pregnancy?

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During which phase of the menstrual cycle does the endometrium begin to thicken?

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What happens to HCG levels if the embryo has abnormalities or dies?

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Which of the following best describes the timeline of the fertilized egg traveling to the uterus?

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What is the role of the placenta during pregnancy?

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

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Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals?

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What role do neurotransmitters play in the transmission of nerve impulses?

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Which part of the central nervous system is primarily responsible for memory storage?

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What is the main function of the medulla oblongata?

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Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating sleep?

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In what way does the reticular formation contribute to brain function?

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What is the correct order of signal transmission in a neuron?

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What is a primary function of the nervous system?

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Which component is NOT part of the nervous system?

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Which type of neuron is responsible for carrying messages to the central nervous system?

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How does the nervous system contribute to homeostasis?

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Which of the following statements about neurons is true?

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What role does the nervous system play in reacting to stimuli?

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Which system works alongside the nervous system to maintain homeostasis?

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What does morphology study in relation to living organisms?

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What is the main function of testosterone in males?

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Which part of the sperm provides it with energy?

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What does the seminal vesicle produce?

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Which of the following is NOT a reason why many sperm cells do not reach the egg?

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What role does the prostate gland play in male reproduction?

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Which structure in the male reproductive system is responsible for holding matured sperm?

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What is the primary function of the urethra in males?

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What happens to the majority of sperm cells during ejaculation?

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What triggers the final maturation of the ovarian follicle?

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What event occurs on the fourteenth day of the ovarian cycle?

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What happens to the uterus if fertilization does not occur?

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During which phase does the endometrium begin to disintegrate?

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The proliferative phase of the uterine cycle typically occurs between which days?

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What is the primary hormone produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation?

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What event marks the start of the menstrual phase?

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How long is the egg viable for fertilization after its release?

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What hormone is responsible for stimulating follicular growth in the ovaries?

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Which structure is formed when a mature egg pops out of a follicle?

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What is the primary role of progesterone during the menstrual cycle?

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What occurs during the menstrual cycle in relation to the endometrium?

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During which phase of the menstrual cycle does ovulation occur?

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What is the average duration of the menstrual cycle in women?

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What change occurs in female bodies during puberty, prior to the first menstruation?

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What is the role of the cervix in the female reproductive system?

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Flashcards

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands throughout the body.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that receive information from the environment and relay it to the brain or spinal cord.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the spinal cord or the brain, responsible for processing information.

Dendrite

The branch of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

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Cell body

The main body of a neuron, where signals are integrated and processed.

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Axon

The long fiber of a neuron that transmits action potentials, carrying signals away from the cell body.

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Myelin Sheath

A fatty sheath that surrounds the axon of some neurons, increasing the speed of signal transmission.

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Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released at the end of a neuron's axon, transmitting signals across synapses to other neurons.

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Biology

The branch of biology focused on studying living organisms, encompassing their structure, functions, and interactions with their environment.

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Botany

The study of plant life, covering their structure, properties, and biochemical processes.

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Genetics

The study of heredity and variation in organisms, exploring how traits are passed down through generations.

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Zoology

The branch of biology dedicated to studying animal life, from their structure to their subcellular components.

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Ecology

The study of how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings, exploring relationships within ecosystems.

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Nervous System

A network of cells and tissues responsible for controlling thoughts, movements, and essential life processes like breathing, walking, thinking, and feeling.

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Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting impulses throughout the body.

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Testosterone

The male sex hormone, produced by the testes, responsible for development of male secondary sex characteristics.

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Penis

The external male genital organ responsible for transferring sperm during sexual intercourse.

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Bladder

The organ responsible for storing urine before it is released.

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Scrotum

A sac of skin holding the testicles, regulating temperature for sperm production.

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Testis

The organ responsible for producing sperm cells in the male reproductive system.

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Urethra

The tube that carries both urine and sperm out of the body in males.

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Head of Sperm

The part of the sperm cell that contains enzymes for breaking down the egg's membrane and houses genetic material.

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Reproduction

The process by which new individuals are created, ensuring the continuation of a species.

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Zygote

A fertilized egg formed when a sperm cell penetrates an egg, resulting in the fusion of their nuclei.

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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

A hormone produced by the developing embryo that helps maintain pregnancy by supporting the corpus luteum and preventing the uterine lining from breaking down.

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Corpus luteum

A temporary endocrine gland formed in the ovary after ovulation, responsible for producing progesterone and estrogen.

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Miscarriage

The shedding of the uterine lining due to a decrease in progesterone levels, often occurring when the embryo fails to implant or dies.

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Placenta

A specialized organ that develops during pregnancy within the uterus, serving as the lifeline between the mother and the developing fetus, providing nutrients and removing waste products.

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What are ovaries?

The female gonad that produces egg cells and female sex hormones.

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What are fallopian tubes?

Two slender tubes connecting ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization occurs.

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What is the uterus?

A pear-shaped organ that houses a developing fetus.

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What is the endometrium?

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.

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What's the cervix?

The lower, narrow end of the uterus connecting it to the vagina.

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What is the vagina?

A muscular canal involved in sexual intercourse, menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth.

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What is menarche?

The first menstrual cycle, marking the start of puberty in females.

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What is the menstrual cycle?

The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the uterine lining (endometrium), preparing for egg fertilization.

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Ovarian Cycle

The process involving the maturation of an ovarian follicle, release of a mature egg (ovulation), and the development of the corpus luteum.

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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the maturation of an ovarian follicle.

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Ovulation

The process of releasing a mature egg from the ovary.

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Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

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Uterine Cycle

The process involving the preparation and maintenance of the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

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Endometrium

The outer layer of the uterine wall that thickens in preparation for implantation.

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Menstrual Phase

The first stage of the uterine cycle, where the endometrium is shed and blood is discharged from the vagina.

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Study Notes

Biology - Nervous System

  • The nervous system is a network of cells and tissues controlling thoughts, movements, and life processes like breathing, walking, thinking, and feeling
  • It functions as a central processing unit (CPU), carrying out mental activities including learning, memory, thinking, and speech
  • It receives, processes, and sends data, initiating responses and controlling/regulating all body activities
  • It coordinates body organ function and works with the endocrine system to maintain homeostasis (internal balance)
  • The nervous system interacts with the external environment

Nervous System Structure

  • The nervous system comprises three key structures:
    • Brain
    • Spinal Cord
    • Nerve cells (neurons)

Neuron Types

  • Sensory neurons ("afferent"): Receive information and send impulses to the spinal cord or brain
  • Motor neurons ("efferent"): Transmit impulses from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands
  • Interneurons: Relay impulses between sensory and motor neurons

Neuron Structure

  • Dendrites: Receive signals
  • Cell body: Integrates signals
  • Axon: Transmits action potential (myelin sheath increases speed)
  • Synaptic terminals: Transmit signals using neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters

  • Acetylcholine: Activates muscles
  • Dopamine: Affects movement and pleasure
  • Norepinephrine: Controls response to stress
  • Serotonin: Influences mood and sleep
  • Endorphins: Reduce pain and improve mood
  • Melatonin: Regulates sleep cycles

Nervous System Organization

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
    • Processes information and controls responses
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves, neurons, and sensory organs outside the CNS
    • Transmits signals to and from the CNS
    • Includes somatic (voluntary movements) and autonomic (involuntary functions) branches

Nervous System Function

  • Receives sensory input
  • Processes information
  • Generates responses
  • Stores memories
  • Carries out thoughts

Reflexes

  • Rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli

Stimulus

  • Anything that evokes a reaction

Homeostasis

  • Maintaining internal equilibrium through physiological adjustments

Transmission of Nerve Impulses

  • Axons split into branches upon reaching a synapse
  • Neurotransmitters determine the impulse's actions

Endocrinology

  • The endocrine system is a chemical messenger system.
  • Internal glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate distant target organs.
  • Hormones control various body functions; including metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction

Endocrine Glandular Function

Gland Hormone Target Organ Function
Pineal Melatonin Many Biological clock
Pituitary FSH/LH Ovaries Menstrual cycle
ADH Kidneys Osmoregulation
Growth hormone Many Growth and division
Oxytocin Uterus Birth contractions
Prolactin Breast tissue Milk production
Thyroid Thyroxin Liver Metabolic rate
Adrenal Adrenaline, Cortisol Many Fight or flight / Anti-stress
Pancreas Insulin/glucagon Liver Blood sugar levels
Ovaries Estrogen/progesterone Uterus Menstrual cycle
Testes Testosterone Many Male characteristics

Negative Feedback Mechanism

  • Endocrine glands maintain hormone levels by sending feedback signals

Reproductive System (Male)

  • Organs: Testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, urethra, scrotum, penis, prostate, cowper's gland
  • Testosterone: Male hormone influencing secondary sex characteristics and sperm production
  • Sperm cell structure: Tail (movement), middle piece (energy), head (genetic material)
  • Sperm competition: Millions of sperm, only a few reach the egg due to various factors, mostly environmental.

Reproductive System (Female)

  • Organs: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, endometrium, cervix, vagina
  • Ovarian cycle: Maturation, ovulation, corpus luteum development
  • Uterine cycle: Preparation of the uterine lining for implantation

Hormone Feedback and Pregnancy

  • Fertilization triggers hormonal changes
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) maintains support during pregnancy, measurable by pregnancy tests
  • HCG drop with miscarriage, embryo abnormalities

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