Central Nervous System (CNS) Quiz

Study Notes

Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Responsible for integrating and processing information
Protected by the blood-brain barrier, a specialized barrier that restricts the passage of substances into the CNS

Divided into three main parts: cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem
Cerebrum:
- Largest part of the brain
- Divided into two hemispheres (left and right)
- Responsible for:
  - Motor control
  - Sensory processing
  - Higher-level cognitive functions (thought, emotion, memory)
Cerebellum:
- Located at the base of the brain
- Coordinates muscle movements and maintains posture
- Involved in learning and memory
Brainstem:
- Connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord
- Regulates basic functions:
  - Breathing
  - Heart rate
  - Blood pressure
  - Body temperature

Extends from the base of the brain down to the lower back
Responsible for:
- Transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body
- Controlling reflexes
- Regulating various bodily functions (e.g., bladder control)

Basic functional units of the nervous system
Consist of:
- Dendrites: receive signals from other neurons
- Cell Body: contains the nucleus and maintains the cell
- Axon: transmits signals to other neurons or to muscles/glands
- Terminal Buttons: release neurotransmitters to transmit signals

Support cells that provide structure, nourishment, and protection to neurons
Types:
- Astrocytes: provide nutrients and oxygen to neurons
- Oligodendrocytes: produce myelin, the fatty insulation around axons
- Microglia: act as immune cells, defending against infection and disease

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for integrating and processing information
Protected by the blood-brain barrier, a specialized barrier that restricts substance passage into the CNS

Divided into three main parts: cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem
Cerebrum is the largest part, divided into two hemispheres (left and right), responsible for motor control, sensory processing, and higher-level cognitive functions
Cerebellum coordinates muscle movements and maintains posture, involved in learning and memory
Brainstem connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, regulating basic functions like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature

Extends from the base of the brain down to the lower back
Responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling reflexes, and regulating various bodily functions

Consists of nerves connecting the CNS to the rest of the body
Divided into somatic nervous system (transmits sensory and motor signals) and autonomic nervous system (regulates involuntary functions)

Basic functional units of the nervous system
Consist of dendrites (receive signals), cell body (contains the nucleus), axon (transmits signals), and terminal buttons (release neurotransmitters)

Support cells providing structure, nourishment, and protection to neurons
Types include astrocytes (provide nutrients and oxygen), oligodendrocytes (produce myelin), and microglia (act as immune cells)