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Questions and Answers
Which part of the central nervous system extends from the brain stem to the lower back?
Which part of the central nervous system extends from the brain stem to the lower back?
What is one of the primary functions of the brain stem?
What is one of the primary functions of the brain stem?
Which statement correctly describes grey matter?
Which statement correctly describes grey matter?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended way to protect CNS health?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended way to protect CNS health?
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Which condition is considered a common disorder affecting the central nervous system?
Which condition is considered a common disorder affecting the central nervous system?
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What is the primary role of the somatic nervous system?
What is the primary role of the somatic nervous system?
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Which neurotransmitter is primarily used by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily used by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
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What effect does the parasympathetic division have on heart rate?
What effect does the parasympathetic division have on heart rate?
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How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the human body?
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the human body?
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Which of the following correctly identifies the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system?
Which of the following correctly identifies the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system?
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Which type of neuron is primarily responsible for transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system?
Which type of neuron is primarily responsible for transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system?
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Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response?
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response?
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How many pairs of cranial nerves are present in the human body?
How many pairs of cranial nerves are present in the human body?
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What structure primarily protects the brain from external damage?
What structure primarily protects the brain from external damage?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the cerebrum?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the cerebrum?
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Which type of neurons are found in the white matter of the spinal cord?
Which type of neurons are found in the white matter of the spinal cord?
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What is the main role of the thalamus in the brain?
What is the main role of the thalamus in the brain?
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What layer of the meninges is closest to the brain?
What layer of the meninges is closest to the brain?
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Which lobe of the cerebrum is primarily responsible for processing visual information?
Which lobe of the cerebrum is primarily responsible for processing visual information?
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What is one of the primary functions of the cerebellum?
What is one of the primary functions of the cerebellum?
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Which region of the brain connects the two hemispheres?
Which region of the brain connects the two hemispheres?
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Study Notes
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- The PNS is the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
- Acts as a communication bridge between the central nervous system and the body
- Consists of two major divisions: somatic and autonomic nervous systems
- Contains approximately 100 billion neurons
Nervous System Divisions
- The nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- The PNS can be further divided into Afferent (Sensory) System and Efferent (Motor) System.
- The Efferent System is further divided into Somatic and Autonomic Systems.
- The Autonomic Nervous System is further divided into the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic divisions.
Somatic Nervous System
- Controls voluntary movements
- Connects the CNS to skeletal muscles and sense organs
- Responsible for conscious activities
- Uses motor and sensory neurons
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- Controls involuntary functions of internal organs.
- Regulates internal organs.
- Has two main subdivisions:
- Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Sympathetic Division
- "Fight or Flight" response
- Activates during stress
- Effects include: increased heart rate, dilated pupils, enhanced metabolism, decreased digestion
- Uses norepinephrine as the primary neurotransmitter
Parasympathetic Division
- "Rest and Digest" response.
- Active during calm states
- Effects include: decreased heart rate, constricted pupils, enhanced digestion, reduced blood pressure
- Uses acetylcholine as the primary neurotransmitter
Types of Neurons in PNS
- Sensory (Afferent) Neurons: transmit information from the body to the CNS
- Motor (Efferent) Neurons: transmit information from the CNS to the body
- Mixed Nerves: contain both sensory and motor neurons
- Interneurons: connect neurons within the CNS
Cranial Nerves
- 12 pairs of nerves that connect directly to the brain
- Control various functions like facial expressions, eye movements, hearing, taste, and smell
Spinal Nerves
- 31 pairs of nerves that connect to the spinal cord
- Organized by regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal)
Neurotransmitters in PNS
- Chemical messengers
- Key types: acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, substance P
- Different effects on target tissues
Central Nervous System (CNS)
- The control center of the body
- Consists of the brain and spinal cord
- Processes and coordinates all bodily functions
- Protected by bones and meninges (dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater)
CNS Structure
- Composed of myelinated (white matter) and unmyelinated (grey matter) neurons
- In the spinal cord, white matter is on the outer surface, and grey matter is in the center
- In the brain, grey matter is on the outer surface, and white matter is in the center
Protection of the CNS
- Skull (cranium) protects the brain
- Vertebral column protects the spinal cord
- Three layers of meninges: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
- Cerebrospinal fluid provides cushioning
Major Brain Regions
- Forebrain (cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus)
- Cerebellum
- Brain stem (pons, medulla oblongata)
- Regions work together in complex networks to perform functions
Cerebrum
- Largest part of the brain
- Divided into left and right hemispheres connected by the Corpus callosum
- Four lobes:
- Frontal (movement, reasoning)
- Parietal (sensation, spatial awareness)
- Temporal (hearing, memory)
- Occipital (vision)
Forebrain Includes
- Thalamus (sensory relay station)
- Hypothalamus (homeostasis control)
- Pineal gland (melatonin production)
- Pituitary gland (hormone control)
Cerebral Functions
- Controls higher-order thinking
- Manages voluntary movement (motor cortex)
- Processes sensory information (sensory cortex)
- Houses language centers
- Regulates emotional responses
- Stores memories
Cerebellum
- Located at the back of the brain
- Primary functions: Balance coordination, posture maintenance, fine motor control, movement timing
- Contains more neurons than the rest of the brain combined.
Brain Stem
- Three main parts: Midbrain, Pons, Medulla Oblongata
- Controls vital functions: breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, sleep cycles
Spinal Cord
- Extends from the brain stem to the lower back
- 31 pairs of spinal nerves
- Functions: Information highway to/from brain, reflex center, movement control
Spinal Cord Structure
- Grey matter (butterfly shape): Contains neuron cell bodies
- White matter: Contains axon tracts
- Central canal: Contains cerebrospinal fluid
CNS Disorders
- Common conditions affecting the CNS: Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy, Spinal cord injuries
Protecting CNS Health
- Regular exercise
- Proper nutrition
- Adequate sleep
- Mental stimulation
- Avoiding harmful substances
- Wearing protective gear during activities
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Description
Test your knowledge on the central nervous system with this quiz. Questions cover various aspects, including the brain stem, spinal nerves, and the functions of different nervous system divisions. Perfect for students studying neuroscience or related fields.
