Major Structures of Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main function of ganglia in the nervous system?

Regulate body temperature

Transmit nerve impulses (correct)

Produce hormones

Store glucose

Which structure is responsible for regulating the digestive system?

Brain

Enteric plexus (correct)

Cranial nerves

Spinal cord

How many pairs of spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord?

20 pairs

31 pairs (correct)

12 pairs

5 pairs

What is the basic unit of the nervous system responsible for communication?

Neurons Signup and view all the answers

Where are sensory receptors primarily located?

External or internal environment Signup and view all the answers

How many neurons are typically found in the human brain?

100 billion neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of neurons in the nervous system?

Controlling muscle activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of synaptic vesicles in a neuron's synapse?

Store chemical neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of slow axonal transport in neurons?

Supply new axoplasm for developing or regenerating axons Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of lipofuscin in neurons?

A product of neuronal lysosomes that accumulates as the neuron ages Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the synapse separates the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes?

Synaptic cleft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of varicosities in neurons?

Contain synaptic vesicles for neurotransmitter release Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of motor neurons?

Carrying information out of the brain and spinal cord to effectors Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in a neuron is responsible for producing proteins used in regenerating damaged axons?

Nissl bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory neurons?

Carrying sensory information into the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neurons are responsible for integration processes?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of fast axonal transport in neurons?

Moving organelles and materials in both directions along microtubules Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a neuron contains the nucleus, neuroplasm, and Nissl bodies?

Cell body Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Golgi cells in the cerebellar cortex?

Enhancing responsiveness to stimuli Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the cerebellum contains Purkinje cells?

Molecular layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of basket cells in neural circuits?

Making inhibitory synapses Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neurons relay information from the rest of the central nervous system to the entire cerebellar cortex?

Granular cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of stellate cells in the activated cerebellum?

Controlling blood flow Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain manages and processes information from the senses?

Cerebrum Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between how oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells myelinate axons?

Oligodendrocytes myelinate many axons, while Schwann cells myelinate a single axon Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nerves send electrical signals between the brain, face, neck, and torso?

Cranial nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plexus in the human body?

Regulate activity of the trunk and limbs Signup and view all the answers

Why do axons in the CNS display little re-growth after injury?

Due to the absence of neurolemma Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of ganglia in the PNS?

They contain neuron cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the body does the lumbar plexus primarily supply nerves to?

Anterior leg Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions and Structures in the Nervous System

Ganglia serve as clusters of neuron cell bodies that process information and relay signals within the nervous system.
The enteric nervous system is responsible for regulating the digestive system and operates independently but can interact with the central nervous system.
Humans have 31 pairs of spinal nerves that emerge from the spinal cord, facilitating communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.
The neuron is the basic unit of the nervous system, crucial for communication through electrical and chemical signals.

Neurons and Brain Functionality

Sensory receptors are primarily located on external surfaces, such as the skin, and internal organs, allowing for the detection of stimuli.
The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons, which form complex networks for processing information.
Neurons have the main responsibility of transmitting signals throughout the nervous system for sensory, motor, and cognitive functions.

Synapse and Transport Mechanisms

Synaptic vesicles store neurotransmitters and release them into the synaptic cleft during neuronal communication.
Slow axonal transport functions to transport proteins and other materials within neurons at a low speed, facilitating cellular maintenance.
Lipofuscin is an age-related pigment in neurons that may indicate cellular aging and stress from metabolic processes.
The synaptic cleft is the gap that separates the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes, allowing for neurotransmitter transmission.

Neuron Types and Functions

Varicosities are swellings along axons that release neurotransmitters over a larger area, influencing multiple target cells.
Motor neurons are primarily responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to initiate muscle contraction.
The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus, neuroplasm, and Nissl bodies, is crucial for metabolic activities and protein synthesis.
Sensory neurons function to connect external stimuli with the central nervous system, relaying information from the body’s sensory receptors.
Interneurons are responsible for integration processes within the CNS, connecting other neurons and facilitating reflexes and automatic responses.

Cerebellar Structures and Functions

Golgi cells in the cerebellar cortex play a role in modulating the activity of granule cells and refining motor coordination.
The Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum contains Purkinje cells, which facilitate movement control and balance.
Basket cells contribute to the inhibitory regulation within neural circuits, managing the excitability of Purkinje cells.
Climbing fibers, a type of neuron, relay information to the cerebellar cortex from the central nervous system.

Myelination and Nerve Communication

Oligodendrocytes myelinate multiple axons in the central nervous system, whereas Schwann cells myelinate individual axons in the peripheral nervous system.
The cranial and spinal nerves send electrical signals between the brain and the rest of the body, playing a vital role in motor and sensory pathways.
A plexus in the human body is a network of intersecting nerves that facilitate communication and function in specific regions.

Neural Injury and Recovery

Axons in the central nervous system show limited regrowth after injury due to factors such as inhibitory molecules and glial scarring.
Ganglia in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are notable for their role as relay points that enhance the efficiency of nerve signal transmission.
The lumbar plexus primarily supplies nerves to the lower back and pelvic regions, impacting lower limb function and sensation.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the major structures of the nervous system, including the brain, cranial nerves, and spinal cord. Learn about the functions and characteristics of these essential components of the nervous system.