Medical-Surgical Nursing: The Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

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

To facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses (correct)

To regulate the activity of neurons

To provide structure to neurons

To store neurotransmitters

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

To control and communicate body functions (correct)

To regulate body temperature

To produce hormones

To facilitate digestion

What is the main function of irritability in neurons?

To transmit nerve impulses to other neurons

To maintain the structure of the neuron

To respond to stimuli and convert them into nerve impulses (correct)

To regulate the release of neurotransmitters

Which neurotransmitter is involved in the regulation of mood and sleep?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system?

CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while PNS consists of nerves outside the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sensory or afferent division of the peripheral nervous system?

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

Which region of the CNS consists of dense collections of unmyelinated fibers and cell bodies?

Gray matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of conductivity in neurons?

To transmit nerve impulses to other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the motor or efferent division of the peripheral nervous system?

To carry impulses from the CNS to effector organs Signup and view all the answers

What are the three overlapping functions of the nervous system?

Sensory input, integration, and motor output Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is involved in the transmission of pleasurable sensations?

Enkephalin Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system based on functional classification?

Sensory and motor divisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

To convey incoming messages towards the cell body Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the nervous system that regulates events that are automatic, or involuntary?

Autonomic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the material that covers nerve fibers?

Myelin Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

To serve as the metabolic center of the neuron Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of processes or fibers found in a neuron?

Dendrites and axons Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the 'nerve glue' that provides support to neurons?

Neuroglia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Myelin and Nervous Tissue

Myelin acts as an insulator for nerve fibers, enhancing the transmission speed of nerve impulses.
White matter is characterized by dense collections of myelinated fibers, forming tracts in the central nervous system (CNS).
Gray matter consists of unmyelinated fibers and neuron cell bodies.

Physiology of Nerve Impulses

Irritability: The ability of neurons to respond to stimuli and convert them into nerve impulses.
Conductivity: The capacity to transmit nerve impulses to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Major Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine: Primary neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), often excitatory but may be inhibitory (e.g., vagal stimulation of the heart).
Serotonin: Produced in various brain areas; regulates mood, sleep, and pain pathways; has an inhibitory effect.
Dopamine: Involved in attention, emotion, and fine motor control; generally inhibitory.
Norepinephrine: Major transmitter in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), primarily excitatory, influencing mood and activity.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): Generally inhibitory, affecting behavior and coordination.
Enkephalins & Endorphins: Both are excitatory neurotransmitters involved in pleasurable sensations and pain modulation.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Overview

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord and serves as the control center for the body.
Key functions of the nervous system include sensory input, integration, and motor output.

Organization of the Nervous System

Structural Classification:
- Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord.
- Peripheral Nervous System: Nerves extending from the CNS, including spinal and cranial nerves.
Functional Classification:
- Sensory (Afferent) Division: Carries impulses to the CNS from sensory receptors.
  - Somatic sensory fibers connect skin, muscles, and joints.
  - Visceral sensory fibers transmit impulses from internal organs.
- Motor (Efferent) Division: Transmits impulses from the CNS to effectors, including muscles and glands.
  - Somatic nervous system (voluntary control of skeletal muscles).
  - Autonomic nervous system (involuntary control over smooth and cardiac muscles, as well as glands), further divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic components.

Nervous Tissue: Structure and Function

Two main types of cells:
- Supporting Cells (Neuroglia): Provide structural support, protection, and nutrients to neurons.
  - Types include astrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, oligodendrocytes (CNS), Schwann cells, and satellite cells (PNS).
- Neurons: Specialized cells for transmitting nerve impulses.
  - Anatomy includes a cell body (nucleus and metabolic center), dendrites (incoming signal reception), and axons (impulse conduction away from the cell body).
  - Myelin, a fatty substance, covers axons to facilitate faster signal transmission.

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Description

This quiz covers the organization and functions of the nervous system in the human body, including sensory input, integration, and motor output.