Nervous system

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of afferent nerves?

To carry stimuli from peripheral organs to the central nervous system (correct)

To initiate muscle contractions

To transmit motor commands from the central nervous system

To regulate unconscious bodily functions

Which of the following best describes the role of efferent nerves?

They control involuntary functions like digestion

They relay sensory information from the body to the CNS

They transmit signals from the CNS to muscles to initiate actions (correct)

They connect sensory neurons directly to the brain

What is the main benefit of the reflex arc in vertebrates?

It enables faster reflex actions by routing signals directly to spinal motor neurons (correct)

It improves the efficiency of voluntary muscle control

It allows for the transmission of sensory data to the brain faster

It enhances the regulation of the fight-or-flight response

What aspect of the nervous system is the somatic nervous system primarily associated with?

Voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the autonomic nervous system?

It regulates automatic functions like heart rate and digestion Signup and view all the answers

What role does the parasympathetic nervous system play in the body?

It controls bodily functions during restful states Signup and view all the answers

How does the sympathetic nervous system differ from the parasympathetic nervous system?

It activates the body's 'fight or flight' response Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding sensory data?

It is carried to the CNS by afferent nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory neurons?

To transmit sensory impulses to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron is responsible for conveying motor impulses from the CNS to effectors?

Motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

Where are interneurons primarily found?

Exclusively in the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

How does the sodium-potassium pump maintain the resting potential of a neuron?

By keeping sodium outside the cell and potassium inside Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of afferent nerves in the peripheral nervous system?

To relay sensory information to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which system is specifically involved in involuntary responses such as heart rate regulation?

Autonomic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes motor neurons from sensory neurons?

Motor neurons transmit commands to muscles while sensory neurons send information to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

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

To facilitate the transmission of electrical signals between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

To control bodily movements and responses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is part of the Central Nervous System?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

What are the three layers that make up the meninges?

Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, Pia mater Signup and view all the answers

How does cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assist the central nervous system?

It removes waste and cushions the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sympathetic response in the autonomic nervous system?

To prepare the body for fight or flight Signup and view all the answers

What structure separates the right and left cerebral hemispheres?

Longitudinal fissure Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for voluntary movements?

Somatic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of afferent nerves in the peripheral nervous system?

To transmit sensory information to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the frontal lobes?

Voluntary movement and executive functions Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe is primarily responsible for sensory perception and integration?

Parietal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe encodes memory and is involved in processing auditory information?

Temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe is primarily associated with understanding language in most individuals?

Left temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What role does the insular lobe play in the brain?

It plays a role in gustatory perception. Signup and view all the answers

Which function is considered an executive function associated with the frontal lobes?

Planning and organizing Signup and view all the answers

Why is the parietal lobe important for sensory data?

It interprets input from the body's sensory areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe is the most common site of injury in traumatic brain injury?

Frontal lobes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cerebellum?

Motor learning and movement adaptation Signup and view all the answers

Which section of the brainstem is responsible for vital functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Medulla Oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What functionality does the pons provide in the brainstem?

Linking the brain to the spinal cord and controlling unconscious processes Signup and view all the answers

Which parts compose the midbrain?

Tectum and Tegmentum Signup and view all the answers

Apart from motor control, what other function is the cerebellum involved in?

Cognitive functions like language Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord?

Brainstem Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the brainstem is the medulla located?

At the base, below the pons Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of the midbrain?

Controlling eye movements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for high blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes?

Body attacks insulin-producing cells Signup and view all the answers

In type 2 diabetes, what happens when the insulin produced by the pancreas is unable to work effectively?

Pancreas becomes overworked and may produce less insulin Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes gestational diabetes?

It typically resolves after giving birth Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the body during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Fat is broken down for fuel, leading to ketone production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically associated with type 1 diabetes?

High insulin levels in the body Signup and view all the answers

How is gestational diabetes typically diagnosed during pregnancy?

Via a blood test at specific weeks Signup and view all the answers

What can be a serious complication of diabetes, especially in type 1 diabetics?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome when the pancreas becomes overworked in type 2 diabetes?

Decreased insulin production Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Paramedic Science: Health & Human Development 2 - The Nervous System

The nervous system is the body's command centre, originating from the brain. It controls movements, thoughts, automatic responses, digestion, breathing, and sexual development (puberty).

The Nervous System

The nervous system is divided into:
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
  - Brain & Spinal Cord
  - Meninges (3 membranous layers surrounding the CNS structures):
    - Dura Mater
    - Arachnoid Mater
    - Pia Mater
  - Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
    - Clear, colourless, watery fluid acting as a cushion to protect the brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
  - Motor Function (Efferent Nerves):
    - Carry signals from the brain to the PNS to initiate actions
  - Sensory Function (Afferent Nerves):
    - Carry signals from the PNS to the brain
  - Somatic Nervous System
  - Autonomic Nervous System
    - Parasympathetic Response
    - Sympathetic Response

The Central Nervous System (CNS)

The cerebrum is divided into two cerebral hemispheres separated by the longitudinal fissure.
The cerebrum is made up of different lobes:
- Frontal Lobe: Largest lobe, responsible for voluntary movement, language, and higher-level executive functions (planning, organization).
- Parietal Lobe: Vital for sensory perception (taste, hearing, sight, touch, smell), interpreting sensory input from the body.
- Temporal Lobe: Second largest lobe, involved in processing auditory information, memory encoding, affect/emotions, and aspects of visual perception (left side is dominant for most people, involved with language).
- Insular Lobe: Involved in consciousness, emotions, taste, perception, motor control, self-awareness, and body homeostasis(hunger, pain).
- Occipital Lobe: Main area for visual processing, assigning meaning and remembering visual perceptions.
Cerebellum: Located at the back of the brain, underlying the occipital and temporal lobes, controlling posture, balance, coordination of voluntary movements, and motor learning.
Brainstem: Connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord and cerebellum. Responsible for vital functions.
- Midbrain: Involved in motor movements and auditory and visual processing.
- Pons: Handles unconscious processes, sleep-wake cycle, and breathing; acts as a junction point.
- Medulla Oblongata: Involved in transmitting signals between the spinal cord and higher brain areas; controls autonomic activities such as heartbeat and respiration.
- Pyramidal Decussation: Point where motor fibers from the medullary pyramids cross to the opposite side of the brain.
Spinal Cord: An extension of the CNS; starts at the medulla oblongata and ends in the conus medullaris; carries nerve signals, spinal nerves and nerve roots.

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Composed of millions to billions of nerve cells
Sensory neurons carry impulses from sensory organs (skin, other organs) to the central nervous system (including eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin).
Motor neurons carry signals from the CNS to specific effectors (muscles, glands).
Interneurons in the CNS are the intermediary between sensory and motor neurons.
Nerve cell parts: Dendrites, Soma, Axon, Myelin Sheath, Nucleus, Synapse

The Cranial Nerves

A set of 12 paired nerves in the brain that transmit electrical signals between the brain, face, neck and torso, and carry out functions of taste, smell, hearing, facial expressions, blinking and tongue movement.

The Cranial Nerves' Functions

Olfactory, Optic, Oculomotor, Trochlear, Abducens, Trigeminal, Facial, Vestibulocochlear, Glossopharyngeal, Vagus, Accessory, Hypoglossal.

Specific Conditions:

Stroke: Disruption in blood supply to part of the brain, resulting in brain injury.
- Types: Ischemic (blockage of blood vessels), Hemorrhagic (rupture of blood vessels).
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Temporary disruption in blood supply to the brain, causing sudden symptoms similar to a stroke, lasting a few minutes to hours, and resolving within 24 hours.
Signs & Symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 999, pupil assessment, Glasgow coma scale.
Treatment: Follow JRCALC Stroke/TIA Guideline, possible medical intervention.
Addison's Disease: Rare disorder of the adrenal glands, causing insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production (hormones for regulation of energy and electrolyte balance)
- Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, low mood, weight loss, increased thirst, nausea.
- Treatment: Follow JRCALC Steroid-dependent Patients Guideline.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Serious complication of diabetes, resulting from insufficient insulin in allowing blood glucose into cells for use as energy; the liver breaks down fat to release ketones leading to dangerous levels
- Treatment: JRCALC Glycaemic Emergencies in Adults and Children Guideline.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemia: Metabolic complication in diabetes characterized by severe hyperglycemia, dehydration, hyperosmolar plasma, altered consciousness.
- Symptoms: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, tiredness.
- Treatment: IV saline and insulin.
Seizures: Sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain, causing changes in behaviour, movements, or feelings in the patient.
- Types: Focal, generalised (absence, tonic-clonic), treatment intervention.
Hyperglycemia: High blood glucose levels.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose levels, blood glucose less than 4mmol/l in a diabetic patient.
- Symptoms: Sweating, trembling, shaking, palpatations, pounding heart, hunger, headache, nausea, incoordination, confusion, speech difficulty, fits etc.
Meningitis: Inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Viral and bacterial meningitis are two types of meningitis that occur.
Cauda Equina Syndrome: Dysfunction of lumbar and sacral nerve roots that cause urinary incontinence, altered sensation and weakness in the lower limbs.
- Causes: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, injuries etc.
Treatment guidelines (JRCALC) are provided for each condition in this summary.

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