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Questions and Answers
What are the two major parts of the nervous system?
What are the two major parts of the nervous system?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system?
Neurotransmitters are only responsible for transmitting signals within the Central Nervous System.
Neurotransmitters are only responsible for transmitting signals within the Central Nervous System.
False
What are ganglia or nuclei in the context of the nervous system?
What are ganglia or nuclei in the context of the nervous system?
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The parasympathetic nervous system primarily uses norepinephrine as its neurotransmitter.
The parasympathetic nervous system primarily uses norepinephrine as its neurotransmitter.
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What physiological response is associated with sympathetic activation during stress?
What physiological response is associated with sympathetic activation during stress?
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The brain and spinal cord comprise the ______ nervous system.
The brain and spinal cord comprise the ______ nervous system.
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What is the primary function of neurotransmitters?
What is the primary function of neurotransmitters?
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The __________ division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for rest and digestion.
The __________ division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for rest and digestion.
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Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
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Match the following components with their descriptions:
Match the following components with their descriptions:
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An imbalance in neurotransmitters can lead to neurologic disorders.
An imbalance in neurotransmitters can lead to neurologic disorders.
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Parkinson's disease is associated with an increase in dopamine levels.
Parkinson's disease is associated with an increase in dopamine levels.
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What are the two primary components of the central nervous system?
What are the two primary components of the central nervous system?
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The _____ is a structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres.
The _____ is a structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres.
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Match the following diseases with their associated neurotransmitter issues:
Match the following diseases with their associated neurotransmitter issues:
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Which of the following structures receives electrochemical messages?
Which of the following structures receives electrochemical messages?
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The cerebral cortex is primarily made up of white matter.
The cerebral cortex is primarily made up of white matter.
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What increases the speed of conduction in axons?
What increases the speed of conduction in axons?
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The basic functional unit of the brain is called a _____ .
The basic functional unit of the brain is called a _____ .
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What is the primary function of cerebral veins?
What is the primary function of cerebral veins?
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Aneurysms can lead to hemorrhagic strokes.
Aneurysms can lead to hemorrhagic strokes.
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What structure is formed at the lower end of the spinal cord?
What structure is formed at the lower end of the spinal cord?
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The network of sinuses carries venous outflow from the brain and empties into the ______ veins.
The network of sinuses carries venous outflow from the brain and empties into the ______ veins.
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Match the following anatomical structures with their descriptions:
Match the following anatomical structures with their descriptions:
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What is the approximate length of the Willis area?
What is the approximate length of the Willis area?
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Cerebral veins contain valves to aid blood flow.
Cerebral veins contain valves to aid blood flow.
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What shape does the cross-sectional view of the spinal cord resemble?
What shape does the cross-sectional view of the spinal cord resemble?
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The lower portion of the H-shaped core of the spinal cord corresponds to the ______ horns.
The lower portion of the H-shaped core of the spinal cord corresponds to the ______ horns.
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What surrounds the spinal cord?
What surrounds the spinal cord?
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Which vertebrae are involved in protecting the spinal cord?
Which vertebrae are involved in protecting the spinal cord?
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The spinocerebellar tracts cross to the opposite side of the cord before ascending to the brain.
The spinocerebellar tracts cross to the opposite side of the cord before ascending to the brain.
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What do the fasciculus cuneatus and gracilis conduct sensations of?
What do the fasciculus cuneatus and gracilis conduct sensations of?
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The sacrum is a fused mass of _____ vertebrae.
The sacrum is a fused mass of _____ vertebrae.
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Match the following sensory fibers with their functions:
Match the following sensory fibers with their functions:
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Where do nerve roots exit from the vertebral column?
Where do nerve roots exit from the vertebral column?
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The anterior segment of a vertebra is known as the dorsal arch.
The anterior segment of a vertebra is known as the dorsal arch.
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What anchors and supports the laminae of the vertebral arch?
What anchors and supports the laminae of the vertebral arch?
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The peripheral nervous system includes cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and the _____ nervous system.
The peripheral nervous system includes cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and the _____ nervous system.
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Which tracts conduct sensory impulses from the upper body to the brain?
Which tracts conduct sensory impulses from the upper body to the brain?
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Study Notes
Introduction to the Nervous System
- The nervous system is divided into two major parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
- The PNS includes the cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and autonomic nervous system.
Functions of the Nervous System
- The nervous system controls motor, sensory, autonomic, cognitive, and behavioral activities.
- It responds to internal and external environments, maintaining homeostasis.
- It directs all psychological, biological, and physical activity through complex chemical and electrical messages.
Cells of the Nervous System
- Neurons are the basic functional unit of the brain, supported and protected by glial cells (50 times more numerous).
- Dendrites receive electrochemical signals.
- Axons transmit electrical impulses away from the cell body.
- Myelin sheaths increase conduction speed.
Neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitters communicate signals between neurons, or neurons to target cells (e.g., muscle, endocrine cells).
- They are manufactured and stored in vesicles.
- Release of neurotransmitters occurs when an electrical action potential reaches the nerve terminal, crossing the synapse and binding to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
- Neurotransmitters can either excite or inhibit activity in the target cells.
- Imbalances in neurotransmitters are implicated in many neurological disorders.
Major Neurotransmitters (Examples)
- Acetylcholine (important in the parasympathetic nervous system)
- Serotonin (regulates mood and sleep)
- Dopamine (affects behavior and movement)
- Norepinephrine (important in the sympathetic nervous system)
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (inhibitory)
- Enkephalins/Endorphins (inhibit pain)
Central Nervous System (CNS) Details
- The brain accounts for 2% of total body weight (1400 g in a young adult; 1200 g in an older adult).
- The cerebrum is divided into three major areas: cerebrum, brain stem, and cerebellum.
- The cerebrum has wrinkled surfaces (gyri) increasing surface area for complex activities.
- The cerebrum is made up of gray matter (billions of neuron cell bodies visible).
- White matter (myelinated nerve fibers) connects various parts of the brain and spinal cord, forming tracts.
- Specialized lobes in the cerebrum (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital) have specific functions: concentration, abstract thought, memory, speech, judgment, personality, sensory analysis, body position awareness, auditory processing, language, etc.
Structures and Functions in the CNS
- **Corpus Callosum:**Thick nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.
- Thalamus: Relay station for all sensations (except smell); involved in memory and pain processing.
- Hypothalamus: Regulates endocrine system and pituitary gland, controlling metabolic functions, temperature, and behavior.
- Brain Stem: Composed of midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; connects the brain and the periphery, controls respiration, reflexes, etc.
- Cerebellum: Located below the cerebrum. Coordinates movement, balance, and posture.
Protection of the Brain
- The skull protects the brain from injury.
- Meninges (dura mater, arachnoid, pia mater) are protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fills spaces around the brain and spinal cord, providing shock absorption and nourishment.
Cranial Nerves
- Twelve pairs of nerves emerge from the brain and pass through openings in the skull.
- Some are sensory, some motor, and some mixed.
- Cranial nerves innervate the head, neck, and special sense structures.
Spinal Cord
- Continuous with the medulla, extending from the foramen magnum to the lower lumbar spine.
- Protected by vertebrae and meninges.
- Contains dorsal and ventral roots.
- Dorsal roots receive sensory information; ventral roots carry motor impulses.
- Spinal nerves emerge and branch to innervate the body.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- The ANS controls involuntary body functions.
- Two major divisions: sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest).
- Controls organs like the heart, lungs, blood vessels, digestive organs, and more.
Motor and Sensory Pathways
- The nervous system involves complex pathways to control and receive sensations.
- Motor pathways transmit signals that control voluntary and involuntary movements.
- Sensory pathways receive, integrate, and send various types of sensations.
Upper and Lower Motor Neurons
- Upper motor neurons connect the brain to motor neurons in the spinal cord.
- Lower motor neurons connect the spinal cord to muscles.
- Damage to either type affects movement differently.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamentals of the nervous system, including its major components, functions, and cellular structures. Understand the roles of the central and peripheral nervous systems, neurons, and neurotransmitters in maintaining bodily functions and interactions with the environment.
