Human Nervous System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the cerebrum?

Regulating involuntary body functions

Higher brain functions such as thought, action, and sensory processing (correct)

Controlling voluntary movements

Maintaining homeostasis

Which part of the brain regulates breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure?

Cerebellum

Brainstem (correct)

Diencephalon

Cerebrum

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

To regulate homeostasis (correct)

To transmit sensory information to the CNS

To act as a relay station for sensory information

To control voluntary movements

What is the role of the thalamus?

To act as a relay station for sensory information Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for transmitting sensory information to the CNS?

Somatic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the myelin sheath around some axons?

To insulate and speed up signal transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

To conserve energy and promote rest and digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the cerebellum?

To control voluntary movements and maintain posture and balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neurons in the nervous system?

To transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons transmit sensory information from sensory receptors to the CNS?

Sensory neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of multipolar neurons?

One axon and many dendritic branches Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of interneurons?

To integrate and process information between sensory and motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of unipolar neurons?

One axon and one dendrite branching off in opposite directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of pyramidal neurons?

To pass signals inside the brain and tell muscles to move Signup and view all the answers

Where are Purkinje neurons found?

In the cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the junction between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs?

Synapse Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the body's energy is used by the brain?

20% Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system consists of all the nerves outside the CNS?

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the spinal cord?

Transmitting sensory and motor information Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the gray matter in a cross-section of the spinal cord?

H or butterfly Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of the spinal cord controls signals to and from the lower back and legs?

Lumbar Signup and view all the answers

What is the lower end of the spinal cord called?

Conus medullaris Signup and view all the answers

At which level does the spinal cord end in an adult?

L1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the vertebral column in relation to the spinal cord?

Supporting and protecting the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System

Divided into two main parts: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while PNS consists of all nerves outside the CNS

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain
- Control center of the body, responsible for processing sensory information, regulating bodily functions, and facilitating cognitive activities
- Uses up to 20% of the body's energy
Spinal Cord
- Cylindrical structure that connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system, transmitting sensory and motor information
- Coordinates reflexes
- Location: upper 2/3 of vertebral column, begins at level of C1 and ends at L1, with its lower end called conus medullaries
- Cauda equina: starts at L1 to coccyx

Structure of the Spinal Cord

Gray Matter: Inner region, composed of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses, forming an "H" or butterfly shape in cross-section
White Matter: Outer region, composed of myelinated axons that form tracts carrying signals up and down the spinal cord

Spinal Cord Segments

Cervical: Controls signals to and from the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands
Thoracic: Innervates signals to and from the chest and abdomen
Lumbar: Controls signals to and from the lower back and legs
Sacral: Innervates signals to and from the pelvis and lower limbs
Coccygeal: Provides innervation to a small area of the skin in the coccygeal region

Protection of the Spinal Cord

Vertebral Column: Surrounds and supports the spinal cord
Meninges: Three layers of protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater) that surround the spinal cord and brain
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): Fluid-filled spaces between the meninges that cushion and support the spinal cord

Major Parts of the Brain

Cerebrum: The largest part, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, action, and sensory processing
Cerebellum: Coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture
Brainstem: Includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; controls basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure
Diencephalon: Contains the thalamus and hypothalamus; the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, while the hypothalamus regulates homeostasis

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Divided into:
- Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information to the CNS
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary body functions and is further divided into:
  - Sympathetic Nervous System: Prepares the body for stress-related activities ("fight or flight")
  - Parasympathetic Nervous System: Conserves energy and promotes rest and digestion ("rest and digest")

Cranial Nerves

12 pairs of cranial nerves, including:
- Olfactory
- Optic
- Oculomotor
- Trochlear
- Trigeminal
- Abducens
- Facial
- Vestibulocochlear
- Glossopharyngeal
- Vagus
- Accessory
- Hypoglossal

Neurons and Neurotransmission

Neurons: The fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals
Structure of a Neuron:
- Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and organelles
- Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons
- Axon: Transmits signals away from the cell body
- Myelin Sheath: Insulating layer around some axons, speeds up signal transmission
- Synapse: The junction between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs

Types of Neurons

Sensory Neurons: Transmit sensory information from sensory receptors to the CNS
Interneurons: Found in the CNS, they integrate and process information between sensory and motor neurons
Motor Neurons: Transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands, controlling movement and secretion
Multipolar neurons: Have one axon and many dendritic branches, carrying signals from the central nervous system to other parts of the body
Unipolar neurons: Also known as sensory neurons, they have one axon and one dendrite branching off in opposite directions from the cell body, passing signals from the outside of the body to the CNS
Bipolar neurons: Have one axon and only one dendrite branch, passing signals from one neuron to the next inside the CNS
Pyramidal neurons: Have one axon and two main dendrite branches, passing signals inside the brain and telling muscles to move
Purkinje neurons: Found in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance, coordination, and timing of actions, with one axon and a very dense and complicated dendrite arrangement

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Test your knowledge of the human nervous system, including the functions of the cerebrum, brainstem, hypothalamus, and more!