Human Biology: Neuron Definitions

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Questions and Answers

What occurs in the body when the first line of defence fails?

The body uses only B cells to fight the pathogen.

The body undergoes a non-specific immune response. (correct)

The body remains unaffected and no response is necessary.

The body initiates a specific immune response using antibodies.

What role do B cells play in the immune response?

They signal the production of more white blood cells.

They engulf pathogens to destroy them.

They produce antibodies specific to pathogens. (correct)

They create fever to damage pathogens.

What is the primary function of T cells in the immune response?

To promote blood clotting at the infection site.

To directly seek and destroy pathogen-antibody complexes. (correct)

To trap pathogens through mucus production.

To produce antibodies that latch onto pathogens.

Why do fevers occur during an immune response?

To create an environment that damages pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

How do antibodies function in the immune response?

They bind to specific pathogens, unable to function properly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?

Coordinating voluntary muscle movements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT controlled by the autonomic nervous system?

Taking a deep breath Signup and view all the answers

What role do sensory neurons play in the stimulus-response model?

They pass nerve impulses to the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

The autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for which of the following actions?

Controlling pupil size Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a receptor in the central nervous system?

To detect stimuli and send information to the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which sensory organ is responsible for detecting chemicals in food?

Tongue Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the central nervous system?

Peripheral nerves Signup and view all the answers

What type of stimulus do photoreceptors respond to?

Light Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for processing information?

Brain Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptor is involved in detecting sound movements?

Mechanoreceptor Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main parts of the human nervous system identified in the content?

Central and peripheral Signup and view all the answers

Which stimulus is NOT detected by touch receptors in the skin?

Light Signup and view all the answers

What kind of stimuli can be classified as internal stimuli?

Changes in body temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a neuron?

To receive and send messages from the body to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is contained within the cell body of a neuron?

Nucleus and cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What role does the myelin sheath play in nerve function?

It insulates the nerve fibers Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell responds to specific hormones in the body?

Target cell Signup and view all the answers

What is a stimulus in the context of the nervous system?

Any information that evokes a response in the body Signup and view all the answers

Which system is responsible for transporting hormones throughout the body?

Circulatory system Signup and view all the answers

What defines homeostasis in the human body?

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily regulated by homeostatic mechanisms?

Levels of glucose, pH, water, and temperature Signup and view all the answers

What are dendrites responsible for in a neuron?

Receiving signals from other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of hormones in the body?

They function as chemical messengers Signup and view all the answers

What happens during a reflex action?

One message goes to the brain while another goes to the motor neuron. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is responsible for processing reflex actions?

Spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the endocrine system?

To maintain the body's internal environment. Signup and view all the answers

How do hormones travel throughout the body?

Via the circulatory system. Signup and view all the answers

Why are certain glands referred to as ductless glands?

They secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes target cells from other cells in the body?

They have unique receptors for specific hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

To link the nervous and endocrine systems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hormones is true?

Different hormones have distinct chemical structures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Biology: Definitions

Neuron: A specialized cell responsible for receiving and transmitting messages throughout the body, connecting the brain with the rest of the body.
Cell Body: The central part of a nerve cell containing the nucleus and cytoplasm.
Axon: A projection of a nerve cell that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.
Myelin Sheath: An insulating layer surrounding nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord, which speeds up nerve impulse transmission.
Dendrites: Extensions of the cell body that receive nerve impulses from other neurons, conveying information towards the cell body.
Stimulus: Any change in the internal or external environment that triggers a response from an organism.
Receptor: A specialized structure that detects stimuli and sends information to the brain for processing.
Gland: An organ that produces and releases hormones into the bloodstream.
Hormones: Chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, travelling through the bloodstream to target cells.
Target Cells: Specific cells equipped with receptors that recognize and bind to specific hormones, triggering a biological response.
Circulatory System: The body's transport system, moving substances like hormones, nutrients, and waste products around the body.
Homeostasis: The process of maintaining a stable internal environment, keeping factors like glucose levels, pH, water, temperature, and oxygen within healthy ranges.

Human Biology: The Body's Defence System

The body has three lines of defense against pathogens.
The First Line of Defense: Physical barriers like skin, mucous membranes, and secretions like saliva, tears, and stomach acid.
Second Line of Defense: Non-specific immune responses like inflammation, fever, and phagocytosis.
Third Line of Defense: Specific immune response, involving lymphocytes (B and T cells) which target specific pathogens.
B Cells: Specialized white blood cells that produce antibodies.
Antibodies: Proteins that bind to specific pathogens, blocking their function.
T Cells: Another type of white blood cells that destroy pathogen-antibody complexes.
Long-Lasting Immunity: The body develops memory of pathogens it has encountered, allowing for faster response in future encounters.

Human Biology: The Nervous System

The nervous system: A complex communication network regulating all bodily functions.
Two Main Parts:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord - processes information.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves extending from the CNS to the rest of the body.
Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Controls voluntary muscle movements.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Human Biology: Stimulus-Response Model

Steps in a Stimulus-Response:
1. Stimulus Detection: Receptors in sense organs detect stimuli.
2. Sensory Nerve Transmission: Sensory neurons transmit impulses to the CNS.
3. CNS Processing: Interneurons in the CNS process information.
4. Motor Neuron Response: Motor neurons carry impulses from the CNS to muscles or organs.
5. Response: Muscles or organs respond to produce an action.

Human Biology: Reflexes

Reflex Actions: Involuntary, rapid responses to stimuli.
Reflex Pathway: Sensory neuron --> Spinal cord --> Interneuron (sends two signals) --> Motor neuron --> Muscle/organ.
Brain Involvement: The brain still receives information during a reflex but the response is instantaneous.

Human Biology: The Brain

Three Main Parts:
- Cerebrum: Responsible for higher functions like thinking, memory, and language.
  - Lobes: Frontal (decision making), Temporal (hearing), Parietal (touch), Occipital (vision).
- Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance.
- Brain Stem: Controls basic life functions like heart rate and breathing.

Human Biology: The Endocrine System

Endocrine System: Network of glands that produce hormones to regulate bodily functions.
Hormone Release: Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and transported to target cells throughout the body.
Homeostasis Regulation: The endocrine system helps maintain the body's balance (homeostasis).
Ductless Glands: Endocrine glands don't have ducts and release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Human Biology: The Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

Hypothalamus: Part of the brain that links the nervous and endocrine systems.
Pituitary Gland: "Master gland" controlled by the hypothalamus, which secretes hormones that regulate other glands.

Human Biology: Hormones

Hormones: Chemical messengers that regulate growth, development, and many other bodily functions.
Target Cells: Hormones bind to specific target cells to elicit a response.
Specificity: Different hormones have specific structures and bind to specific receptors on target cells.

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Description

This quiz explores essential terms related to neurons and their functions within the human body. It covers definitions of key components such as the axon, myelin sheath, and various types of nerve cells. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in human biology.