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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
What is the primary function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
How many pairs of spinal nerves are categorized as lumbar nerves?
How many pairs of spinal nerves are categorized as lumbar nerves?
Which part of the nervous system includes the 12 cranial nerves?
Which part of the nervous system includes the 12 cranial nerves?
What is the main function of the somatic nervous system?
What is the main function of the somatic nervous system?
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Which of these is primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system?
Which of these is primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system?
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What is a key difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?
What is a key difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?
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In the context of the autonomic nervous system, what is the purpose of preparing the body for ‘normal’ function?
In the context of the autonomic nervous system, what is the purpose of preparing the body for ‘normal’ function?
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What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?
What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Nervous System
- The nervous system is divided into two main parts: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
- The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord.
- The PNS extends outside the CNS and contains nerves.
Division - Nervous System
- Cranial nerves (CN): There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves emerging from the brain.
- Spinal nerves: There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves arising from the spinal cord, categorized by location:
- Cervical: 8 pairs
- Thoracic: 12 pairs
- Lumbar: 5 pairs
- Sacral: 5 pairs
- Coccygeal: 1 pair
Division - Nervous System (CNS Functions)
- The CNS is the centre of perception, integration, and coordination of sensory and motor activity.
- It integrates sensory information from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and initiates appropriate motor responses.
Division - Nervous System (PNS Functions)
- The PNS transmits neural impulses to and from the CNS.
- It conveys sensory information from receptors to the CNS, and motor signals from the CNS to muscles and glands as output.
Nervous System - Overview
- CNS: The brain and spinal cord process and coordinate all sensory data and motor commands for the whole body
- PNS: Encompasses all neural tissue outside the CNS, conveying information to and from the CNS.
Somatic Nervous System vs Autonomic Nervous System
- Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Controls voluntary skeletal muscle contractions allowing reactions to outside stimuli.
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls involuntary functions like smooth muscle contractions (e.g., in the digestive system), cardiac muscle, glands, and adipose (fat) tissue, maintaining homeostasis.
Spinal Cord Structure
- Spinal cord: Sensory neurons are involved when something stimulates the neuron leading to the spinal cord.
- Sensory neurons have their cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia.
- Motor neurons: Have their cell bodies inside the spinal cord.
- Interneurons: Transmit and process information between sensory and motor neurons, forming connections within the spinal cord gray matter.
Dental Application of Jaw Jerk Reflex
- Examining the involuntary reflex of the jaw is a diagnostic tool.
Autonomic Nervous System
- The ANS is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.
- Sympathetic: Prepares the body for emergencies or activities requiring heightened energy expenditure or stress (fight-or-flight response).
- Parasympathetic: Regulate normal functioning and restore energy after emergency situations, such as slowing down the heartbeat and stimulating digestion (rest-and-digest response).
Organization of Spinal Nerves
- Spinal nerves: Are composed of sensory fibers (dorsal root) and motor fibers (ventral root).
- Rami communicantes:Connect spinal nerves to the sympathetic trunk and ganglia.
CNS vs PNS Organization
- CNS: Neurons grouped into nuclei.
- PNS: Neurons grouped into ganglia.
- CNS: Axon bundles (tracts).
- PNS: Axon bundles (nerves).
Nervous Tissue Components
- Neurons: Functional units of the nervous system, consisting of dendrites, a cell body, and an axon.
- Neuroglia: Supporting cells.
Neuron Structure and Function
- Axon: The single projection of a nerve cell that carries signals away from the cell body (efferent process).
- Axons conduct electrical impulses away from the cell body.
Neuronal Reaction to Injury
- Neurons lack the ability to regenerate or divide, so damage is challenging or permanent.
- Axons, when severed, can regenerate under specific conditions.
Neuroglia
- Ependymal cells: Line ventricles and spinal cord, forming a barrier.
- Astrocytes: Provide nutrients, maintaining the environment of neurons.
- Oligodendrocytes: Myelinate axons (some) within the CNS.
- Microglial cells: Immune-like function providing defense against infection.
Sensory Receptors in Human Skin
- Specialized receptors in skin detect different stimuli such as temperature, pressure, touch, and pain.
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Description
Explore the essential components and functions of the nervous system, focusing on its two main divisions: the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). This quiz covers the anatomy of cranial and spinal nerves, as well as the roles of each system in sensory and motor coordination.
