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Questions and Answers
What is the function of efferent axons?
What do astrocytes do in the nervous system?
What is the difference between oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells?
What is the function of microglia in the nervous system?
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What is the spinal cord?
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What is the organization of the brain?
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What is the structure of the spinal cord?
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What is the function of astrocytes?
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What is the difference between afferent and efferent axons?
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Which cells build myelin sheaths for axons in the brain and spinal cord?
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What is the function of microglia?
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What is the spinal cord?
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What are the two types of glia?
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What is the structure of the brain?
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What is the primary function of the cerebellum?
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Which part of the brain is responsible for processing information related to language, memory, decision making, and problem solving?
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What is the primary function of the superior colliculi?
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Which part of the brain is responsible for auditory information and emotional and motivational behaviors?
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What is the primary function of the hypothalamus?
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Which part of the brain is responsible for receiving inputs from the skin and muscles?
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What is the primary function of the medulla?
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Study Notes
Overview of Neurons and Glia in the Nervous System
- The axon is a thin fibre that transmits impulses towards other neurons, organs, or muscles, and is often covered in myelin sheath with nodes of Ranvier.
- Afferent axons bring information into a structure, while efferent axons carry information away from a structure, and intrinsic neurons contain dendrites and axons within one structure.
- Neurons vary in size, shape, and function depending on the organs they are linked to and their functions.
- Glia, or neuroglia, support neurons and are categorized into macroglia and microglia.
- Astrocytes are star-shaped cells that provide a structural matrix for neurons, dilate blood vessels, and protect the blood-brain barrier.
- Ependymal cells are cube-shaped cells that line the ventricles of the brain and spinal cord, monitor cerebro-spinal fluid, and act as a firewall against viruses.
- Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells build myelin sheaths for axons in the brain and spinal cord, and in the peripheral nervous system, respectively.
- Microglia act as part of the immune system, removing viruses, fungi, and damaged neurons.
- The spinal cord is the part of the central nervous system located inside the spinal column, communicating with all sense organs and muscles except those in the head.
- The spinal cord is a segmented structure containing sensory and motor nerves contralaterally, made up of white matter and gray matter infused internally in an H-shape.
- The brain is a soft tissue organ located inside the skull, organized into three bulges: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain.
- The hindbrain and midbrain make up the brainstem, and each segment of the spinal cord sends sensory information to the brain, and receives motor commands from the brain.
Anatomy of the Brain: Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Forebrain
- The hindbrain is located at the posterior part of the brain, consisting of the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.
- Medulla serves as the nodal point for information passing to and from higher parts of the brain, controlling reflexes such as breathing, heart rate, salivation, coughing, and sneezing.
- Pons contains nuclei from several cranial nerves, where axons from each half of the brain cross contralaterally.
- Cerebellum controls movement, balance, coordination, and information processing.
- Midbrain is the middle part of the brain, consisting of the tectum, tegmentum, cerebral aqueduct, and nuclei associated with cranial nerves.
- Superior colliculi receives input from the optic nerves and is responsible for guided eye movements, while inferior colliculi regulates auditory reflexes.
- Forebrain consists of two hemispheres, each organised to receive sensory information from the contralateral side of the body and control motor movements contralaterally.
- Cerebral cortex is the outer shell of the brain, organised into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.
- Frontal lobe controls important cognitive functions such as processing information relating to language, memory, decision making, and problem solving.
- Parietal lobe is primarily responsible for the whole body receiving inputs from the skin and muscles.
- Occipital lobe contains the primary visual cortex, while the temporal lobe is responsible for auditory information and emotional and motivational behaviors.
- Located under the cerebral cortex are the thalamus, hypothalamus, and limbic system, which regulate sensory information processing, functions such as eating, drinking, sex, biorhythms, temperature control, and emotional responses.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the nervous system with this quiz about neurons and glia. From the different types of neurons to the functions of glial cells, this quiz covers the basics of the nervous system. You will learn about the structure and function of axons, the different types of glial cells, and the organization of the spinal cord and brain. This quiz is perfect for anyone interested in neuroscience or studying for a biology exam.
