Introduction to the Nervous System
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Questions and Answers

The myelin sheath is composed of many layers of ______ and protein.

lipid

Myelinated neurons transmit nerve impulses at a slower speed than non-myelinated neurons.

False (B)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of neurons?

  • Contractility (correct)
  • Conductivity
  • Irritability
  • Excitability
  • What are the gaps in the myelin sheath called?

    <p>Nodes of Ranvier</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following structures with their descriptions:

    <p>Dendrites = Receive signals from other neurons Axon = Transmits signals to other neurons Cell body = Contains the nucleus and other organelles of the neuron Myelin sheath = Insulates the axon and increases the speed of signal transmission Nodes of Ranvier = Gaps in the myelin sheath that allow for rapid signal conduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following diseases destroys the myelin sheath?

    <p>Multiple sclerosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ barrier is formed by astrocytes and blood vessel walls, preventing certain substances from entering the brain.

    <p>blood-brain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main functions of neuroglia?

    <p>Support and protect neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are considered functional systems of the nervous system?

    <p>Sensory receptors, nerves, spinal cord, brain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The nervous system operates only at a conscious level.

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

    Besides the nervous system, what other system works with it to maintain homeostasis?

    <p>endocrine system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The nervous system is the coordinator and controller of all ______.

    <p>systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the descriptions to the components of the nervous system:

    <p>Brain = Central control organ Spinal cord = Main pathway for signals between brain and body Sensory receptors = Detect changes inside and outside the body Nerves = Carry signals between components of the nervous system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of the nervous system?

    <p>Producing blood cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The central nervous system (CNS) includes cranial nerves and spinal nerves.

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

    What are the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>somatic and autonomic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling ______ actions.

    <p>involuntary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following nervous system divisions with their primary functions:

    <p>Somatic Nervous System (SNS) = Voluntary control of skeletal muscles Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) = Involuntary control of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands Sympathetic Nervous System = Fight-or-flight response Parasympathetic Nervous System = Rest-and-digest response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a function of the motor neurons in the enteric nervous system?

    <p>Regulating contractions, secretions, and endocrine secretions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The somatic nervous system is responsible for involuntary control of cardiac muscle.

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

    The 'brain of the gut' is also known as the ______ nervous system.

    <p>enteric</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cells in nervous tissue is responsible for conducting nerve impulses?

    <p>Neurons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Neurons can regenerate through mitosis.

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

    What is the main function of neuroglial cells?

    <p>To support, nourish and protect neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following nervous system divisions with their functions:

    <p>Somatic Nervous System = Voluntary control of skeletal muscles Autonomic Nervous System = Involuntary control of cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands Efferent Division = Transmits impulses from CNS to peripheral organs Afferent Division = Transmits impulses from peripheral organs to CNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do Nissl bodies play in neurons?

    <p>They play an important role in the transmission of impulses from the cell body (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dendrites are responsible for conducting impulses away from the cell body.

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

    What is the outermost layer of the Schwann cell plasma membrane called?

    <p>neurilemma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The tapered area where the axon begins is called the ______.

    <p>axon hillock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of the axon?

    <p>Conduct impulses away from the cell body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following neuron structures with their functions:

    <p>Dendrites = Receive incoming impulses Axon = Conduct impulses away from the cell body Nucleus = Contains genetic material Myelin sheath = Insulates the axon to speed up impulses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A cluster of cell bodies in the CNS is referred to as a ganglion.

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

    Bundles of axons are referred to as ______ in the PNS.

    <p>nerves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the resting membrane potential of a nerve cell?

    <p>-70 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The action potential is caused by a decrease in membrane permeability to Na+ and K+.

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

    Name two types of cells found in nerve tissue.

    <p>Neurons and neuroglial cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The synaptic ___________ is the gap between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons.

    <p>cleft</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the neuroglial cell types with their functions:

    <p>Astrocytes = Support and nourish neurons Microglia = Immune defense in the CNS Oligodendrocytes = Form myelin in the CNS Schwann cells = Form myelin in the PNS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of conduction is faster in nerve impulses?

    <p>Saltatory conduction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nerve impulses can be conducted in both directions along a nerve fiber.

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

    What occurs during the depolarization phase of an action potential?

    <p>The interior of the nerve becomes positive, reaching around +35 mV.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Chemical synapses rely on ___________ to transmit signals between neurons.

    <p>neurotransmitters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT increase the rate of conduction in nerve fibers?

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

    Flashcards

    Central Nervous System (CNS)

    The nervous system's main control center, composed of the brain and spinal cord.

    Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    The network of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body, carrying sensory information and motor commands.

    Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

    Responsible for conscious control of skeletal muscles, enabling voluntary actions.

    Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

    Regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

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    Sympathetic Nervous System

    The division of the ANS responsible for preparing the body for stress or danger, triggering 'fight or flight' responses.

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    What is the role of the nervous system?

    The nervous system is the master controller of our body, coordinating and regulating all other systems to work together.

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    How does the nervous system operate?

    The nervous system operates on two levels: unconscious and conscious. Unconscious actions happen automatically, like breathing. Conscious actions are deliberate, like talking or playing.

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    What are the four main parts of the nervous system?

    The nervous system is divided into four main components: sensory receptors, nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain. Each component plays a crucial role in receiving, processing, and responding to information.

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    What is the importance of the nervous system beyond controlling bodily functions?

    The nervous system works with the endocrine system to maintain a stable internal environment called homeostasis. It also influences our thoughts, emotions, and interactions with the world.

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    What are the key cell types in the nervous system?

    The nervous system is made of two types of cells: neurons and neuroglial cells. Neurons are responsible for transmitting information through electrical signals, while neuroglial cells provide support and protection.

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    What is the enteric nervous system?

    The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex network of neurons that controls the digestive system. It is often referred to as the "brain of the gut" because it operates independently of the central nervous system (CNS).

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    What are the key functions of the ENS?

    The ENS is responsible for controlling involuntary functions of the digestive tract, such as muscle contractions, secretions, and endocrine signaling. It plays a key role in digestion, absorption, and elimination of food.

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    How does the ENS operate?

    The ENS receives signals from the CNS, but it can also act independently. This allows the digestive system to operate autonomously and adjust to changing conditions.

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    What is the peripheral nervous system?

    The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system that extends outside the CNS. It includes all nerves and ganglia that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

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    How is the PNS organized?

    The PNS has two main divisions: the afferent (sensory) division and the efferent (motor) division. The afferent division transmits sensory information from the body to the CNS, while the efferent division transmits motor commands from the CNS to the body.

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    What is the somatic nervous system?

    The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. It allows you to consciously move your arms, legs, and other parts of your body.

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    What is the autonomic nervous system?

    The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and sweating. It operates without conscious control.

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    What are the branches of the autonomic nervous system?

    The autonomic nervous system has two branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. These branches have opposing effects on target organs, working together to maintain homeostasis.

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    Myelin Sheath

    The fatty, protein-rich covering around axons that speeds up nerve impulse conduction.

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    Nodes of Ranvier

    Gaps in the myelin sheath along an axon, allowing for faster signal transmission.

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    Non-myelinated Neurons

    Nerve cells that lack myelin insulation, leading to slower conduction speeds.

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    Multiple Sclerosis

    A disease that destroys myelin in the central nervous system, disrupting nerve impulses.

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    Irritability (in Neurons)

    The ability of neurons to generate and transmit nerve impulses in response to stimuli.

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    Conductivity (in Neurons)

    The ability of neurons to conduct nerve impulses along their axons.

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    Neuroglia

    Specialized cells in the nervous system that support and protect neurons, performing various functions.

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    Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

    A protective barrier formed by astrocytes and blood vessel walls, preventing many substances from entering the brain.

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    Cell Body

    The main part of a neuron, containing the nucleus and other organelles, responsible for the neuron's metabolic activities and survival.

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    Nissl Substance

    The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) present within the neuron's cell body. They play a vital role in producing and transporting proteins, especially those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis.

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    Dendrites

    Short, branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them towards the cell body.

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    Axon

    The long, cylindrical projection of a neuron that transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

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    Axon Hillock

    The point where the axon originates from the cell body, often where nerve impulses are generated.

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    Axolemma

    The plasma membrane that encloses the axon, playing a crucial role in the transmission and conduction of nerve impulses.

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    neurilemma

    The outermost layer of the Schwann cell plasma membrane, surrounding the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system.

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    Excitability

    The ability of a nerve fiber to respond to a stimulus and generate a nerve signal.

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    Resting membrane potential

    A stable, negative electrical potential across the membrane of a nerve cell when it is not transmitting a signal.

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    Action potential

    A rapid change in the membrane potential of a nerve cell, characterized by a brief reversal of charge, from negative to positive.

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    Conduction of nerve impulse

    The process by which a nerve impulse travels along a nerve fiber.

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    Continuous conduction

    The conduction of nerve impulses along unmyelinated nerve fibers, where the signal travels continuously along the membrane.

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    Saltatory conduction

    The conduction of nerve impulses along myelinated nerve fibers, where the signal 'jumps' between the gaps in the myelin sheath.

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    Synapse

    Junction between two neurons where nerve impulses are transmitted.

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    Neurotransmitter

    A chemical messenger that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse.

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    Synaptic transmission

    The process by which a neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic neuron, travels across the synaptic cleft, and binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering a signal in the next neuron.

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    Electrical synapse

    A type of synapse where transmission occurs directly through gap junctions, allowing ions to flow freely between cells.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to the Nervous System

    • The nervous system (NS) coordinates and controls all bodily systems.
    • It enables communication and information exchange between different systems for common goals.
    • The nervous system functions on two levels: conscious and unconscious/automatic.
    • Examples of unconscious/automatic functions include breathing and digestion.
    • Conscious activities like speaking, reading, and playing games are examples of conscious functions.
    • The nervous system is segmented into four functional systems: Nerves, Sensory Receptors, Spinal Cord, and Brain.

    Functions of the Nervous System

    • Detects and responds to internal and external body changes.
    • Works with the endocrine system to maintain homeostasis within the body.
    • Also responsible for perceptions, behaviors, and memories.
    • Maintains homeostasis.
    • Receives sensory input.
    • Integrates information.
    • Controls muscles and glands.
    • Establishes and maintains mental activity.

    Divisions of the Nervous System

    • Central Nervous System (CNS):
      • Composed of the brain and spinal cord.
      • The brain is located in the skull, and the spinal cord within the vertebral canal.
      • The main area for processing information and initiating responses.
    • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
      • Composed of plexuses, ganglia, nerves, and sensory receptors.
      • Divided into sensory and motor divisions.
      • Sensory division transmits signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.
      • Motor division transmits signals from the CNS to effector organs (muscles and glands).
      • Further subdivided into somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
      • Somatic Nervous System (SNS):
        • Controls voluntary movements.
      • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):
        • Controls involuntary actions (e.g., heart rate, digestion).
        • Divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
          • Sympathetic division (arousing): "fight-or-flight"
          • Parasympathetic division (calming): "rest-and-digest"
      • Enteric Nervous System (ENS):
        • Also known as "brain of the gut."
        • Controls involuntary functions of the digestive system.

    Cells of Nervous Tissue

    • Neurons (or nerve cells):
      • Functional units of the nervous system.
      • Respond to stimuli and convert them into electrical signals (nerve impulses).
      • Highly specialised.
      • Cannot be replaced if destroyed.
      • Composed of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon
    • Neuroglia (glial cells):
      • Supporting cells that nourish and protect neurons.
      • Maintenance of homeostasis of interstitial fluid around neurons.
      • More numerous than neurons, accounting for more than half the brain's volume.
      • Four types: Astrocytes, Oligodendrocytes, Microglia, and Ependymal.

    Neuron Structure

    • Cell Body: Contains typical organelles and Nissl substance.
    • Dendrites: Receive and transmit signals to the cell body. Are short, branched structures.
    • Axon: Transmits signals away from the cell body (one per neuron). Can range in length from a few millimeters up to one meter. Branches into axon terminal; contains synaptic vesicles that release neurotransmitters.
    • Myelin Sheath: Covers some axons, increasing the speed of impulse transmission
      • Consists of Schwann cells (in PNS) or Oligodendrocytes (in CNS)
      • Nodes of Ranvier: gaps between Schwann cells or Oligodendrocytes where myelin is absent, critical for saltatory conduction (faster impulse transmission).

    Nervous Impulse Transmission

    • Generation: Excitability enables nerve fibers to respond to stimuli.

      • A resting potential exists (-70 mV), where the inside is negative relative to the outside.
    • Action Potential: Brief, rapid sequence of changes in membrane potential, caused by changes in sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) permeability. The inside of the cell becomes positive. Depolarization and Repolarization are key steps.

    • Conduction: Electrical signals (action potentials) travel along neurons in one direction.

    • Saltatory conduction (Myelinated): Action potentials "leap" across the Nodes of Ranvier.

    • Contiuous conduction (Unmyelinated): Action potentials move along the entire axon surface, slower.

    • Transmission at Synapse: Nerve impulses transfer from one neuron to another (or to other target cells like muscle or glands) by a synapse.

      • Chemical Synapse: Neurotransmitters are released to carry the impulse.
      • Electrical Synapse: Impulse transfers directly through gap junctions.
      • Conjoint synapses: Both chemical and electrical transmission occurs.

    Organization of Nervous Tissue

    • White matter: Bundles of axons and their myelin sheaths, appear whitish in color.
    • Grey matter: Contains neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons, appears grey. Found mostly on the cortex of brain & spinal cord.

    Clinical Application

    • Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB): Astrocyte plus blood vessel walls, protecting the brain from harmful substances.
    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Myelin sheath damage results in slower impulse transmission.

    Classification of Neurons

    • Based on structure: unipolar, bipolar, multipolar
    • Based on function: sensory, motor, interneurons

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    Description

    Explore the basics of the nervous system, its functions, and how it coordinates various bodily activities. This quiz delves into the roles of the conscious and unconscious functions, as well as the segmentation of the nervous system into its key components. Test your knowledge on how the nervous system interacts with other bodily systems!

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