Nervous System and Multiple Sclerosis
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of motor neurons in mammals?

  • To control sensory perception
  • To transmit electrical impulses in the brain
  • To support neuron functions
  • To facilitate muscle movement (correct)
  • Which cells are most important in the peripheral nervous system?

  • Neuroglia
  • Microglia
  • Oligodendrocytes
  • Schwann cells (correct)
  • What role do microglia play in the central nervous system?

  • Act as a defense and cleanup crew (correct)
  • Form myelin sheath around neurons
  • Generate electrical impulses
  • Control muscle movements
  • What is multiple sclerosis primarily caused by?

    <p>Scar tissue replacing Schwann cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of the peripheral nervous system helps increase the speed of nerve signal transmission?

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

    What is true about neuroglia compared to neurons?

    <p>They are more numerous than neurons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are ganglion cells located?

    <p>Outside of the brain and spinal cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

    <p>To produce myelin sheath for nerve cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do ependymal cells play in the central nervous system?

    <p>They create and move cerebrospinal fluid. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What main function does the axon hillock serve in a neuron?

    <p>It checks if the incoming signals are strong enough. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when the axon hillock determines a signal is strong enough?

    <p>An action potential is triggered. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of a neuron is primarily responsible for receiving messages?

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

    What is the role of the myelin sheath in neuronal function?

    <p>It helps speed up electrical messages. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following structures is not involved in the transmission of signals in a neuron?

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

    How does the axon hillock function with respect to signal strength?

    <p>It allows only strong signals to be transmitted. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the gap called between two Schwann cells?

    <p>Node of Ranvier (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do Nissal bodies play in neurons?

    <p>They produce proteins necessary for growth and communication. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the nervous system contains the neuron cell bodies primarily responsible for thought and memory?

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

    Why are neuron cells unable to divide?

    <p>They are highly specialized for their functions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the myelin sheath?

    <p>To protect the axon and speed up signal transmission. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the central nervous system (CNS) from the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

    <p>CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cells are responsible for producing myelin in the peripheral nervous system?

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

    What is the role of ganglion cells?

    <p>They are groups of neuron cell bodies outside the brain and spinal cord. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are neuroglia primarily responsible for?

    <p>Supporting neurons and maintaining homeostasis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cells are responsible for producing myelin in the central nervous system?

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

    Which division of the nervous system controls voluntary movements?

    <p>Somatic Nervous System (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do somatic afferent nerves primarily carry to the central nervous system?

    <p>Sensory signals from controlled body parts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which autonomic system division is responsible for 'fight or flight' responses?

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

    What is the primary function of the autonomic efferent pathway?

    <p>To regulate automatic body functions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Lifting your arm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do autonomic afferent nerves monitor?

    <p>Sensory information from internal organs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of signals do somatic efferent nerves carry?

    <p>Motor commands to skeletal muscles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are the neuron cell bodies primarily located?

    <p>In the gray matter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many pairs of spinal nerves are present in the human body?

    <p>31 pairs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which plexus is responsible for nerves to the diaphragm?

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

    Which of the following options does NOT represent a nerve plexus in the human body?

    <p>Thoracic Plexus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of a spinal tap?

    <p>To collect cerebrospinal fluid (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of sympathetic nervous system activation?

    <p>Prepares the body for action and increases heart rate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of neuron is primarily found in the retina?

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

    What is the main role of neuroglial cells in the nervous system?

    <p>Serve as supportive cells for neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the spinal cord begin?

    <p>At the Foramen Magnum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes gray matter from white matter in the nervous system?

    <p>Gray matter contains their cell bodies and processes information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true about the axons in white matter?

    <p>They are primarily located on the outside of the spinal cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is responsible for decision-making in the nervous system?

    <p>Gray matter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to neurons regarding DNA replication?

    <p>Neurons cannot replicate or regenerate due to lack of mitosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the phrenic nerve in the cervical plexus?

    <p>It supplies the diaphragm for breathing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which plexus is responsible for the nerves that supply the arms and hands?

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

    What is the safest region for performing a spinal tap?

    <p>L3-L4 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many cervical nerves are present if there are 7 cervical vertebrae?

    <p>8 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding spinal nerves?

    <p>There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves in the human body. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure ensures the efficient communication between the brain and body by speeding up electrical signals?

    <p>Node of Ranvier (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following descriptions best describes the role of Nissal bodies in neurons?

    <p>They are responsible for protein synthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key reason neurons do not undergo the process of division?

    <p>They are highly specialized for their functions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the central nervous system, which cells are responsible for myelin production?

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

    How is the structure of the myelin sheath important to neuron function?

    <p>It acts as insulation for the axon. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the nervous system contains both the brain and spinal cord?

    <p>Central nervous system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of pathway do somatic efferent nerves represent?

    <p>Signals leaving the brain to the muscles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of the peripheral nervous system helps repair and maintain neuron health?

    <p>Schwann cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions?

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

    What is the primary function of the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>Connecting the brain to limbs and organs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of sensory information do autonomic afferent nerves primarily monitor?

    <p>Internal signals from organs and tissues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cells in the central nervous system produce myelin?

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

    What is the primary role of the somatic nervous system?

    <p>Managing voluntary movements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'afferent' imply in the context of nervous system pathways?

    <p>Signals arriving to the brain from sensory receptors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of information do somatic afferent nerves transmit?

    <p>Sensory information from external stimuli (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of the nervous system is primarily responsible for processing and relaying information?

    <p>Central Nervous System (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cells replace normal Schwann cells with scar tissue in multiple sclerosis?

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

    What is the primary role of the nodes of Ranvier?

    <p>To increase speed of nerve signal transmission (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of neuroglia is found exclusively in the central nervous system?

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

    How many pairs of cranial nerves are present in the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>12 pairs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cells support neurons but cannot generate electrical impulses?

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

    Which cells are crucial for the formation of myelin in the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>Schwann Cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the nervous system primarily consist of?

    <p>Neural tissue and connective tissue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of ependymal cells in the central nervous system?

    <p>To facilitate the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What task does the axon hillock perform for the neuron?

    <p>It acts as a decision maker for signal transmission. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens at the axon hillock if the incoming signals are not strong enough?

    <p>The signal is stopped and not transmitted further. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the axon terminals?

    <p>They send messages to the next neuron or muscle. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component ensures that electrical messages travel quickly along the axon?

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

    What is a node of Ranvier?

    <p>The gap between two Schwann cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

    <p>To cushion and nourish the brain and spinal cord. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of gray matter in the spinal cord?

    <p>Processing and interpreting information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a pseudo unipolar neuron from other types of neurons?

    <p>It contains a single axon and no dendrites. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the sympathetic nervous system is accurate?

    <p>It prepares the body for immediate action. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of white matter in the nervous system?

    <p>Transmitting signals between different parts of the brain and spinal cord (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the spinal cord end in the human body?

    <p>At the lumbar 1 (L1) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of neuron is characterized by having one axon and one dendrite?

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

    What happens to neurons regarding their ability to reproduce?

    <p>They lack the ability to reproduce and regenerate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes neuroglial cells in the nervous system?

    <p>They support and protect neurons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the spinal cord's orientation?

    <p>It begins at the Foramen Magnum and extends to L1. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of neuron has only one dendrite and one axon?

    <p>Bipolar neuron (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes white matter from gray matter in the spinal cord?

    <p>White matter contains axons covered in myelin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of neuroglial cells?

    <p>They support and fill spaces between neurons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a function of the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Prepares the body for action and increases heart rate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is common to all neurons?

    <p>A soma containing a nucleus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To insulate axons and increase signal transmission speed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the myelin sheath?

    <p>To speed up the transmission of electrical messages. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure at the end of the axon is responsible for passing the signal to the next neuron or muscle?

    <p>Axon terminal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if the axon hillock determines a signal is not strong enough?

    <p>The signal is stopped and not sent down the axon. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the function of Schwann cells?

    <p>They myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the node of Ranvier?

    <p>To allow for saltatory conduction of nerve impulses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of neuron structure does the cell body primarily serve?

    <p>To process and integrate incoming signals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which plexus is primarily responsible for supplying the diaphragm?

    <p>Cervical Plexus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of matter contains myelinated fibers in the nervous system?

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

    What is the safest part to perform a spinal tap?

    <p>L3-L4 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about the nerve plexus?

    <p>The brachial plexus serves the arms and hands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of signals do somatic afferent nerves primarily convey to the central nervous system?

    <p>Sensory information from controlled body parts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for regulating involuntary functions during a stressful situation?

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

    Which type of pathway do autonomic afferent nerves represent?

    <p>Sensory pathways from internal organs to the CNS (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key function of somatic efferent nerves in the nervous system?

    <p>Sending commands from the CNS to muscles for voluntary movements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do oligodendrocytes play in the central nervous system?

    <p>Producing myelin that insulates axons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the somatic nervous system?

    <p>It is responsible for voluntary movements of skeletal muscles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do autonomic efferent nerves function within the body?

    <p>Carrying motor commands to internal organs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the autonomic nervous system from the somatic nervous system?

    <p>Somatic controls voluntary functions, while autonomic regulates involuntary functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Nissal bodies in neurons?

    <p>Build proteins for neuron growth and communication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the myelin sheath?

    <p>It acts as insulation on a wire, speeding up signal transmission. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What keeps the neuron healthy by protecting the axon?

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

    What prevents neuron cells from dividing?

    <p>Their high specialization for transmitting signals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are ganglion cells primarily located?

    <p>Outside the brain and spinal cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two divisions of the nervous system?

    <p>Central and peripheral systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the nervous system contains 31 pairs of spinal nerves?

    <p>Peripheral nervous system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure is primarily responsible for creating the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system?

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

    Which statement accurately describes the role of neuroglia in the nervous system?

    <p>Neuroglia help support and protect neurons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does multiple sclerosis primarily affect nerve conduction?

    <p>By replacing normal cells with scar tissue. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major function of microglia within the central nervous system?

    <p>Removing debris and acting as a defense mechanism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do the Nodes of Ranvier play in the nervous system?

    <p>They facilitate the rapid conduction of nerve impulses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component is NOT found in the central nervous system?

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

    Which best describes the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>It contains sensory and motor neurons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes Schwann cells from oligodendrocytes?

    <p>Oligodendrocytes provide myelin sheathing in the central nervous system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Motor Neuron

    A nerve cell that controls muscle movement.

    Neural Tissue

    Found in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

    Peripheral Nerves

    Nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord.

    Schwann Cells

    Important cells in the peripheral nervous system.

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    Nodes of Ranvier

    Gaps in myelin sheath that speed up nerve signals.

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    Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

    Autoimmune disease affecting nerve signal speed.

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    Microglia

    Defensive cells in the central nervous system (CNS).

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    Oligodendrocyte

    Makes myelin sheath in the CNS, protecting nerve cells.

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    Ependymal Cells

    Cells in the brain and spinal cord that produce and move cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

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    Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

    Fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, also cushions the brain and removes waste.

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    Neuron

    A nerve cell that carries messages throughout the body.

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    Axon Hillock

    Area at the base of an axon that decides if a signal is strong enough to be sent.

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    Action Potential

    Electrical signal triggered by the axon hillock when a signal is strong enough.

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    Axon Terminals

    Branches at the end of an axon that pass messages to other neurons or cells.

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    Myelin Sheath

    Fatty layer that speeds up nerve impulses.

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    Cell Body (Neuron)

    Control center of a neuron, processes input messages.

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    Nissal Bodies

    Rough ER in neurons; builds proteins for neuron function.

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    Central Nervous System (CNS)

    The brain and spinal cord which control body functions and processes.

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    Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    Nerves and neurons outside the CNS that connect the brain and spinal cord to body parts.

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    Ganglion

    Cluster of neuron cell bodies outside the CNS.

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    Somatic Nervous System

    The part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

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    Autonomic Nervous System

    The part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

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    Somatic Afferent

    Sensory nerves that carry information from the body (skin, muscles, joints) to the CNS.

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    Somatic Efferent

    Motor nerves that carry commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles, causing movement.

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    Autonomic Afferent

    Sensory nerves that carry information from internal organs (like heart and stomach) to the CNS.

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    Autonomic Efferent

    Motor nerves that carry commands from the CNS to internal organs and glands to regulate automatic functions.

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    Sympathetic Nervous System

    Prepares the body for action (fight or flight) by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and slowing digestion.

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    Parasympathetic Nervous System

    Calms the body (rest and digest) by slowing heart rate, stimulating digestion, and promoting relaxation.

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    Neuroglial Cells

    Supporting cells of the nervous system that provide structure, protection, and nourishment for neurons.

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    Soma

    The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus and organelles.

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    Gray Matter

    Found in the brain and spinal cord, it contains neuron cell bodies and short connections, responsible for processing and interpreting information.

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    White Matter

    Found in the brain and spinal cord, it contains myelinated axons, responsible for transmitting signals between different parts of the nervous system.

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    Foramen Magnum

    The large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord connects to the brain.

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    Where are neuron cell bodies located?

    Neuron cell bodies are located in the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord.

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    What is white matter made of?

    White matter is primarily composed of myelinated fibers, which are axons covered in a fatty substance called myelin.

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    What are spinal nerves?

    Spinal nerves are bundles of axons that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, carrying messages back and forth.

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    What is a spinal tap?

    A spinal tap is a medical procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by inserting a needle into the spinal canal, usually between the L3 and L4 vertebrae.

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    What is the phrenic nerve?

    The phrenic nerve is the most important nerve in the cervical plexus, responsible for controlling the diaphragm, which is essential for breathing.

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    What are motor neurons?

    Motor neurons are specialized nerve cells that control muscle movement, allowing us to walk, talk, and perform many other actions.

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    What is the function of neuroglia?

    Neuroglia, also known as glial cells, provide support and protection for neurons. They do not generate electrical impulses themselves but play vital roles in nourishing, insulating, and maintaining the health of neurons.

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    What composes the central nervous system?

    The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It's the control center of the body, receiving, processing, and sending information to regulate various bodily functions.

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    What is Schwann cells' main function?

    Schwann cells are crucial in the peripheral nervous system, they wrap around axons to form a protective layer called the myelin sheath, speeding up nerve impulses.

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    What are Nodes of Ranvier?

    The nodes of Ranvier are small gaps in the myelin sheath along an axon. These gaps help accelerate the transmission speed of nerve signals.

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    What is Multiple Sclerosis?

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the Schwann cells, which are damaged by the immune system. This leads to inflammation and scarring of the myelin sheath, slowing down nerve signals.

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    What is the role of Microglia?

    Microglia act as the 'defense and cleanup crew' of the central nervous system. They act as immune cells, removing debris and fighting infections to maintain the health of brain and spinal cord tissue.

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    What does Oligodendrocyte do in the CNS?

    Oligodendrocytes are specialized cells in the central nervous system that form the myelin sheath around axons, protecting and insulating nerve fibers to ensure efficient signal transmission.

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    What does CSF do?

    Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cushions the brain, removes waste products, and delivers nutrients to the brain and spinal cord.

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    What are the parts of a neuron?

    A neuron has a cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, axon terminals, and dendrites.

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    What is an axon hillock?

    The axon hillock is a specialized region at the base of the axon where signals are integrated and action potentials are initiated.

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    Why is the axon hillock important?

    The axon hillock acts as a gatekeeper for signals, ensuring only strong enough signals are transmitted down the axon. It initiates the electrical signal (action potential) if the signal is strong enough.

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    What is an action potential?

    An action potential is an electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron, carrying information from one neuron to another.

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    What is myelin sheath?

    Myelin sheath is a fatty covering that surrounds the axon of a neuron, speeding up the transmission of electrical signals.

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    What are Schwann cells?

    Schwann cells are glial cells that produce myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system.

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    What are Nissl bodies?

    Nissl bodies are rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) found in neurons. They are responsible for building proteins needed for the neuron's growth, repair, and communication with other neurons.

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    Where is the brain located?

    The brain is located inside the skull, protected by the bones of the cranium.

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    Where is the spinal cord located?

    The spinal cord runs down your back, protected by the vertebrae of the spine.

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    What is the function of myelin sheath?

    The myelin sheath is a protective covering around the axon of a neuron that helps electrical signals travel faster and protects the axon from damage.

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    What is the function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

    The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for controlling and coordinating all body functions and processes.

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    What is the function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

    The PNS is the network of nerves and neurons that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It carries messages back and forth between the CNS and the body.

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    What are ganglion cells?

    Ganglion cells are groups of neuron cell bodies located outside the brain and spinal cord. They act as relay stations for information.

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    Spinal Nerves

    Nerves that come out of the spinal cord and connect the brain to the rest of the body.

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    Cervical Plexus

    A network of nerves in the neck that supplies the shoulders and diaphragm.

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    Brachial Plexus

    A network of nerves in the shoulder and upper arm that supplies the arms and hands.

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    CNS vs. PNS

    The Central Nervous System (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord, while the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) encompasses all other nerves branching out from the CNS.

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    Somatic vs. Autonomic

    The Somatic Nervous System controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, while the Autonomic Nervous System regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.

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    Afferent vs. Efferent

    Afferent nerves carry sensory signals from the body TO the CNS, while Efferent nerves transmit motor commands FROM the CNS to muscles or organs.

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    Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic

    The Sympathetic Nervous System prepares the body for 'fight or flight,' while the Parasympathetic Nervous System promotes 'rest and digest.'

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    What are the main types of CNS cells?

    The Central Nervous System (CNS) contains three main cell types: 1) Microglia: small immune cells protecting the CNS. 2) Oligodendrocytes: form myelin around axons. 3) Ependymal cells: line cavities and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

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    What does 'Somatic' mean in the nervous system?

    Somatic refers to the parts of the body you can consciously control, like skeletal muscles, skin and joints. The somatic nervous system oversees voluntary movement and sensory information from these areas.

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    What is the purpose of Autonomic Afferent nerves?

    Autonomic Afferent nerves carry sensory information from the internal organs and tissues, such as blood pressure, gut stretch, and oxygen levels, to the CNS. This helps the body regulate involuntary functions.

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    What do Autonomic Efferent nerves control?

    Autonomic Efferent nerves carry commands from the CNS to internal organs and glands to regulate automatic functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. These nerves act unconsciously to maintain homeostasis.

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    What is a motor neuron?

    A specialized nerve cell (neuron) that controls muscle movement, allowing for voluntary actions like walking or typing.

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    What are the 4 main types of tissue?

    The four basic tissue types are epithelial, connective, muscle, and neural (nerves).

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    What is neural tissue?

    Neural tissue is found in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It's responsible for transmitting information and controlling bodily functions.

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    What is a ganglion?

    A group of neuron cell bodies located outside the brain and spinal cord, acting as relay stations for information.

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    What is the role of Schwann cells?

    Schwann cells are essential for nerve function in the peripheral nervous system. They wrap around axons to form the myelin sheath, which speeds up nerve impulses.

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    What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

    An autoimmune disease that attacks Schwann cells, damaging the myelin sheath and slowing down nerve signal transmission.

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    What are the functions of microglia?

    Microglia are the 'defense and cleanup crew' of the CNS. They act as immune cells, removing debris and fighting infections to maintain the health of brain and spinal cord tissue.

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    Myelin

    A fatty substance that wraps around axons, speeding up nerve signals in the central nervous system (CNS).

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    Afferent

    Nerves that carry sensory information from the body to the central nervous system (CNS).

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    Why don't neurons divide?

    Neurons are highly specialized cells that are responsible for transmitting and processing information in the body. They don't divide because they've already reached their final form and are optimized for their specific function.

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    Ganglion cells

    A group of neuron cell bodies located outside the brain and spinal cord, acting as relay stations for information.

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    Gray Matter Location

    Neuron cell bodies are found within the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord.

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    White Matter Composition

    White matter is primarily made up of myelinated fibers, which are axons covered in a fatty substance called myelin.

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    Spinal Nerves: Connection

    Spinal nerves connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, carrying messages back and forth.

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    Spinal Tap Location

    A spinal tap is usually performed between the L2-L3, L4-L5, or L3-L4 vertebrae, with L3-L4 being the safest.

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    Phrenic Nerve Function

    The phrenic nerve is the most important nerve in the cervical plexus, responsible for controlling the diaphragm, which is essential for breathing.

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    Study Notes

    Nervous System

    • Mammals have motor neurons that control muscle movement
    • Neural tissue is found in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
    • Peripheral nerves are outside of the brain and spinal cord
    • Nerves contain bundles of axons
    • Ganglion cells are clusters of neuron cell bodies outside the brain and spinal cord
    • The human brain and spinal cord contain approximately 100 billion neurons, supported by neuroglia cells (10X more than the number of neurons)
    • Neuroglia support neurons but can't generate electrical impulses
    • The nervous system is divided into central and peripheral systems
    • The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord
    • The peripheral nervous system includes 31 spinal nerves and 12 cranial nerves, containing Schwann and Satellite cells

    Multiple Sclerosis

    • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of neurons
    • Microglia are specialized cells in the CNS that play a critical role in maintaining health and responding to threats
    • Oligodendrocytes produce the myelin sheath, which is a protective coating around axons, that speeds up nerve signal transmission
    • Ependymal cells produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord

    Neurons

    • Neurons are nerve cells that transmit information throughout the body
    • Neurons have a cell body (soma), dendrites (receives messages), an axon (transmits messages), myelin sheath (speeds up transmission) and axon terminals (passes messages along)
    • Axon hillock is a cone-shaped area at the base of the axon, that determines whether a nerve signal is strong enough to be transmitted down the axon
    • Action potential is the electrical signal that travels down the axon

    Myelin Sheath

    • Myelin sheath is a protective covering around the axon that helps electrical signals travel faster
    • Myelin is produced by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and by Oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system
    • Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath that increase the speed of signal transmission

    Spinal Cord

    • The spinal cord is a continuation of the brain
    • It begins at the foramen magnum and extends to the first lumbar vertebra (L1)
    • Gray matter contains neuron cell bodies and short connections, while white matter contains myelinated axons that transmit signals between different parts of the brain and spinal cord
    • Gray matter is shaped like a butterfly in the spinal cord, mostly in the center
    • White matter is mostly outside of the gray matter

    Nerves

    • Nerves are bundles of axons that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord
    • Spinal nerves branch out from the spinal cord through small openings in the vertebrae
    • Humans have 31 pairs of spinal nerves
    • Nerve plexuses are networks of nerves that combine to form larger nerves to serve specific body parts (Cervical, Brachial, Lumbar, Sacral)

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    Nervous System Notes PDF

    Description

    Explore the complexity of the nervous system, including the roles of neurons, neuroglia, and the significant features of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This quiz also delves into multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects neuronal function. Test your knowledge on these essential topics in human anatomy and health.

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