Introduction to the Nervous System and Consciousness
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system?

  • To enhance sensory perception under stress.
  • To regulate digestion and metabolic processes.
  • To maintain a state of rest and relaxation.
  • To stimulate the body's fight-or-flight response. (correct)

What do glial cells do in the nervous system?

  • Enhance and modify the activity of neurons in various ways. (correct)
  • Merge with neurons to form a single cohesive unit.
  • Serve as the primary conduits for neurotransmitter release.
  • Directly transmit electrical impulses between neurons.

What technique did Santiago Ramón y Cajal use to distinguish nerve cells?

  • Staining with silver salts using Golgi’s method. (correct)
  • Microscopic dissection and direct observation.
  • Chemical labeling with fluorescent dyes.
  • Electrical stimulation and recording.

Which of the following statements is true regarding neurons?

<p>There are small gaps between the fibers of neurons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What overarching concept does the old idea of merging neurons relate to?

<p>The unified experience of consciousness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the central nervous system is primarily involved in the sympathetic autonomic nervous system?

<p>Thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do neurons convey information to other cells?

<p>By using neurotransmitters at synapses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Cajal's research remains significant in neuroscience today?

<p>His confirmation that neurons do not merge but remain separate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of neurons in terms of their ability to divide?

<p>Most neurons are amitotic and cannot divide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the function of a neuron?

<p>The shape of the neuron and its connections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

<p>To receive nerve impulses and conduct them toward the cell body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the lifespan of neurons in the cerebral cortex?

<p>They have the same lifespan as the individual. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do mitochondria play in nerve cells?

<p>They provide energy for metabolic activities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron connects the soma to the axon?

<p>Axon Hillock (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do neurons primarily communicate electrochemically?

<p>Through synaptic transmission using neurotransmitters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neurons in the mature individual are unique because they typically do not undergo what process?

<p>Division and replication (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the axon in a neuron?

<p>It is a single long tubular structure that conducts impulses away from the cell body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about glial cells is accurate?

<p>Glial cells support and protect neurons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact do overactive mitochondria have on an individual?

<p>Leads to rapid fuel burning and overheating. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is responsible for metabolic activities within the neuron?

<p>Mitochondria (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of most animal cells, including neurons?

<p>They have a plasma membrane. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are dendritic spines and what is their function in neurons?

<p>They increase the surface area of dendrites for receiving information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of synaptic receptors located on dendrites?

<p>They receive information from other neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with mature neurons?

<p>Ability to undergo mitosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system, located near the spinal cord's thoracic and lumbar regions, stimulating the 'fight-or-flight' response.

Fight-or-Flight Response

Physiological reactions preparing the body for immediate action or escape in response to perceived danger.

Neuron

Specialized cell in the nervous system that receives and transmits information.

Glia

Cells in the nervous system that support and modify neuron activity.

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Santiago Ramón y Cajal

A pioneer neuroscientist who demonstrated that neurons are separate entities, not continuous.

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Neuron Separation

Neurons are not connected, but have gaps between them.

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Golgi's Method

A staining technique that highlights nerve cells during research.

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Separate Neurons

Cajal's discovery that neurons are discrete units, not a continuous network.

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Neuron lifespan

Neurons are some of the longest-lived cells in the body, comparable to the lifespan of cells in the cerebral cortex.

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Neuron variability

Neurons differ in size, shape, and function. Shape dictates connections to other cells, affecting function.

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Neuron irreplaceability

Most neurons cannot divide (are amitotic), meaning they are irreplaceable once lost.

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Neuron energy needs

Neurons require a constant supply of glucose and oxygen for their high metabolic activity.

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Neuron structure similarity

Neurons share fundamental structures with other animal cells, including a membrane, nucleus, and mitochondria.

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Mitochondrial function

Mitochondria are cell structures that produce energy for cellular activities. Mitochondrial genetic material is separate from nuclear DNA.

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Mitochondrial impact on health

Mitochondrial activity levels can affect health, with overactive mitochondria leading to overheating and underactive mitochondria potentially linked to depression/pain.

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Neuron function

Neurons are specialized cells that receive, transmit, and conduct electrochemical signals.

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Neuron parts

Neurons consist of a soma (cell body), dendrites (receiving information), and an axon (transmitting information).

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Dendrites

Branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

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Axon

A long, tubular extension of a neuron that transmits signals away from the cell body.

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Soma/Cell Body

The central part of a neuron containing the nucleus and organelles responsible for its metabolic functions.

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Axon Hillock

The junction between the cell body and axon, where action potentials are initiated.

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Dendritic Spines

Small protrusions on dendrites that increase the surface area for receiving signals.

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Synaptic Receptors

Specialized protein structures on the dendrites that bind to neurotransmitters from other neurons

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Study Notes

Introduction to the Nervous System

  • The nervous system, along with the endocrine system, controls the body's functions.
  • The nervous system is made up of specialized cells called neurons. Neurons receive sensory stimuli and conduct impulses to effector organs (muscles or glands).

Consciousness and Death

  • Death and consciousness are highly debated topics.
  • Some believe consciousness is a direct result of brain activity. Others posit that external forces (e.g., the universe, God) and internal elements (e.g., spirit, life-force) contribute to this state.
  • Consciousness is defined as a state of awareness, including one's surroundings and perceptions.

The Importance of the Central Nervous System

  • Studying the brain requires understanding its structure and how its parts interact. Knowing the names and locations of major parts and their connections is essential.
  • Humans do not live independently. Survival depends on a system of support and contribution.
  • Experiences are products of complex cell activity. The nervous system is made up of interconnected cells.

Defining the Central Nervous System

  • The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is located inside the skull and spine. The PNS is outside the skull and spine.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord.
  • The brain is housed in the skull.
  • The spinal cord is located within the spine.
  • The brain and spinal cord are protected by membranes called meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.
  • These are further protected by the bones of the skull and vertebrae.

Nervous System Cells: Neurons

  • The nervous system is built from neurons.
  • Neurons are specialized cells crucial for receiving, transmitting, and processing information.
  • Neurons are excitable, receiving and sending electrochemical signals.
  • They exhibit remarkable diversity in size and shape.

Neuron Parts and Functions

  • Neurons (nerve cells) have a cell body, dendrites, and axons.
  • Dendrites are small branching extensions that receive signals from other neurons.
  • The cell body, or soma, is the metabolic center.
  • The axon is the long, narrow extension that carries the signal away from the cell body.
  • Neurons are separated by gaps, allowing transmission of signals.

Neurons: Unique Properties

  • Neurons are among the longest-lived cells.
  • Neurons are amitotic (cannot divide) in mature state.
  • Neurons require constant glucose and oxygen for function.
  • Shapes, sizes, and connections strongly influence function.

The Structure of a Neuron

  • Neurons, like other cells, have a membrane that separates the inside from the outside.
  • Internal structures like the nucleus (containing chromosomes) and mitochondria (for energy production) play roles analogous to that of other animal cells.

Nervous System Divisions

  • The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the CNS to other body structures.
  • The PNS includes nerves that transmit sensory information and conduct motor signals.
  • The PNS contains two branches: somatic (voluntary movements)
    • autonomic (involuntary processes).

Autonomic Nervous System

  • The autonomic portion of the PNS regulates involuntary functions.
  • The autonomic nervous system has two divisions: sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Sympathetic Nervous System

  • Part of the autonomic NS, responsible for the "fight or flight" response.
  • Involved in preparing the body for potential danger through regulating several body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

  • Part of the autonomic NS, responsible for the "rest and digest" response.
  • It generally returns the body to a state of calm after a stressful situation.

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Nerve Cells - Neurons and Glia PDF

Description

Explore the complexities of the nervous system, its structure, and the role of neurons in controlling body functions. Delve into the intriguing discussions surrounding consciousness and death, examining various beliefs about mental awareness and its relation to brain activity.

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