Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which function of the nervous system is primarily responsible for coordinating responses to environmental stimuli?
Which function of the nervous system is primarily responsible for coordinating responses to environmental stimuli?
What type of neuron is specifically categorized as multipolar?
What type of neuron is specifically categorized as multipolar?
Which division of the nervous system is responsible for involuntary actions such as heart rate and digestion?
Which division of the nervous system is responsible for involuntary actions such as heart rate and digestion?
Which type of transport moves materials from the axon terminal back to the cell body?
Which type of transport moves materials from the axon terminal back to the cell body?
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What is the primary role of astrocytes in the central nervous system?
What is the primary role of astrocytes in the central nervous system?
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What part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals?
What part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals?
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How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the peripheral nervous system?
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the peripheral nervous system?
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What is the integrative function of the nervous system primarily responsible for?
What is the integrative function of the nervous system primarily responsible for?
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What is the primary function of ependymal cells?
What is the primary function of ependymal cells?
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What initiates the action potential in a neuron?
What initiates the action potential in a neuron?
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Which type of ion channel opens in response to neurotransmitters?
Which type of ion channel opens in response to neurotransmitters?
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During which phase of the action potential do K+ gates open?
During which phase of the action potential do K+ gates open?
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What is the main characteristic of a reflex arc?
What is the main characteristic of a reflex arc?
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What is the primary function of the cerebellum?
What is the primary function of the cerebellum?
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Which type of neural circuit is responsible for amplifying signals?
Which type of neural circuit is responsible for amplifying signals?
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What is the role of GABA as a neurotransmitter?
What is the role of GABA as a neurotransmitter?
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Study Notes
Functions of the Nervous System
- Detects environmental changes (sensory input)
- Coordinates actions and responses to stimuli (behaviors)
- Stores and retrieves information (memories)
- Controls voluntary and involuntary muscle activities (movements)
Functional Classifications of the Nervous System
- Sensory (Afferent): Carries signals from receptors to the CNS
- Motor (Efferent): Carries commands from the CNS to muscles and glands
- Integrative: Processes sensory info, stores it, and makes decisions
Structure of the Nervous System
- Brain: The control center for thoughts, emotions, and actions
- Spinal Cord: Transmits signals between brain and body
- Cranial Nerves (12 pairs): Control sensory and motor functions of the head and neck
- Spinal Nerves (31 pairs): Connect CNS to the rest of the body
- Receptors: Detect stimuli
- Ganglia: Clusters of neuron cell bodies in PNS
Divisions of the Nervous System
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Cranial and spinal nerves, receptors, ganglia
Organization of the PNS
- Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Controls voluntary muscle movements
-
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):
- Parasympathetic: "Rest and digest"
- Sympathetic: "Fight or flight"
- Enteric Nervous System (ENS): Controls gastrointestinal tract
Histology of Neurons
- Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus
- Dendrites: Receive signals
- Axon: Transmits signals
- Axon Terminals: Release neurotransmitters
Structural Classification of Neurons
- Multipolar (Motor): Most common, found in CNS and motor pathways
- Bipolar: Specialized sensory neurons (e.g., retina)
- Unipolar (Sensory): Found in PNS; transmit sensory information
Axonal Transport
- Anterograde: Moves materials from cell body to axon terminal
- Retrograde: Moves materials from axon terminal to cell body
Neuroglia (Glial Cells)
-
CNS:
- Astrocytes: Support neurons, blood-brain barrier
- Oligodendrocytes: Myelinate CNS axons
- Microglia: Phagocytic cells
- Ependymal Cells: Produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
-
PNS:
- Schwann Cells: Myelinate PNS axons
- Satellite Cells: Regulate environment around PNS neurons
Electrical Signals in Neurons
- Graded Potential: Local changes in membrane potential
- Action Potential: Large, propagate along axons
Ion Channels in Neurons
- Leak Channels: Always open
- Voltage-Gated Channels: Open with changes in membrane potential
- Ligand-Gated Channels: Open in response to neurotransmitters
- Mechanically-Gated Channels: Respond to mechanical forces
Resting Membrane Potential
- Characteristics: -70 mV, inside negative, gated channels closed
- Factors: Na+/K+ pump, ion permeability
Action Potential
- Threshold: -55 mV; initiates action potential
- Repolarization Phase: Na+ gates close, K+ gates open
- Hyperpolarization: K+ leaks out; potential drops to -90 mV
Refractory Period
- Prevents backward propagation of action potentials
Signal Transmission at Synapse
- Electrical Synapse: Direct ion flow via gap junctions
- Chemical Synapse: Neurotransmitters mediate signal transmission
Neurotransmitters
-
Examples and Functions:
- Acetylcholine: Muscle contraction
- GABA: Inhibitory, calming effects
- Dopamine: Reward and pleasure
- Serotonin: Mood and sleep regulation
Spinal Cord Anatomy
- 31 Pairs of Spinal Nerves: Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal
- Plexuses: Cervical, brachial, lumbar, sacral; control specific body regions
Reflex Arc
- Receptor → Sensory Neuron → Integration Center → Motor Neuron → Effector
Brain Anatomy
- Cerebrum: Higher functions (thought, memory)
- Cerebellum: Coordination and balance
- Diencephalon: Thalamus and hypothalamus (sensory relay, homeostasis)
- Brainstem: Basic life functions
Types of Neural Circuits
- Diverging: Amplify signals
- Converging: Integrate signals
- Reverberating: Rhythmic activities
- Parallel After-Discharge: Complex mental processes
Functional Areas of the Brain
- Motor Cortex: Movement
- Sensory Cortex: Sensation
- Association Areas: Integration
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Description
Explore the essential functions and structure of the nervous system in this quiz. Learn about sensory inputs, motor functions, and the divisions of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This quiz will test your understanding of how the nervous system operates and its functional classifications.
