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Questions and Answers
What is the function of the central nervous system (CNS)?
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Which part of the brain is responsible for conscious thought, speech, and voluntary movement?
What is the main function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
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What is the function of the spinal cord?
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What is the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the body?
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How many neurons approximately make up the brain?
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What is the main function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Which part of a neuron receives signals from other neurons?
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Which subsystem of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) prepares the body for the 'fight or flight' response?
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Which part of the nervous system controls voluntary movements?
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What are neurotransmitters?
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How many pairs of spinal nerves make up the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
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What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the body?
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What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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What is the main function of neurons in the body?
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What is the main function of the somatic nervous system (SNS)?
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Which part of the nervous system is responsible for interpreting sensory information and coordinating responses?
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What is the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the body?
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Which subsystem of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) prepares the body for the 'fight or flight' response?
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What is the function of the spinal cord in the nervous system?
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What is the function of neurons in the body?
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What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?
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Which part of the nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for 'fight or flight' response?
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What is the primary role of motor neurons in the nervous system?
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Which division of the nervous system is responsible for regulating the body's involuntary functions, such as breathing?
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What is the main function of interneurons in the nervous system?
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Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood regulation?
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In the nervous system, which type of neuron transmits information from the body to the CNS?
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What are the basic building blocks of the nervous system?
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Which part of the ANS returns the body to a state of calm?
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What role do sensory neurons play in the nervous system?
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Study Notes
The nervous system is a complex and interconnected network of cells that facilitates communication between different parts of the body, allowing us to sense and respond to our environment. It is made up of two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The CNS is the control center of the body, receiving information from sensory receptors and coordinating responses through the motor apparatus. It is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, higher brain functions, muscle control, and reflex actions. The CNS is composed of the brain and the spinal cord, which are covered by the skull and the vertebrae, respectively.
Brain
The brain is the command center of the nervous system, controlling virtually all body functions. It is the most complex organ in the body, consisting of approximately 100 billion neurons. The brain is divided into three main parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem. Each part of the brain has specific functions. For example, the cerebrum is responsible for conscious thought, speech, and voluntary movement.
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a long, cylindrical bundle of nerve tissue that runs through the vertebral column. It is the body's key communication system, transmitting signals to and from the brain.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The PNS is responsible for carrying information to and from the brain and spinal cord, connecting them to the rest of the body. It consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves. The PNS is further divided into the somatic nervous system (the part that controls voluntary movements) and the autonomic nervous system (the part that controls involuntary movements).
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an important component of the PNS, controlling involuntary actions, such as heartbeat and breathing. It is responsible for maintaining the body's internal environment and is divided into two subsystems: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
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Sympathetic nervous system: This subsystem prepares the body for action by activating the "fight or flight" response. It increases heart rate, dilates the bronchioles, and slows digestion, among other effects.
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Parasympathetic nervous system: This subsystem slows down the body's metabolism and helps the body relax. It promotes activities such as digestion, salivation, and urination.
Neurons and Neurotransmitters
The nervous system is made up of millions of specialized cells called neurons, which transmit information throughout the body. Neurons have three main parts: the cell body, dendrites, and axon. Dendrites are short, branching projections that receive signals from other neurons, while the axon is a long, slender extension that sends signals to other neurons or muscles.
Neurons communicate with one another through the release of neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that transmit signals across the small gap between neurons called the synapse. There are many different types of neurotransmitters, each with specific functions in the brain. For example, serotonin is involved in mood regulation and sleep, while dopamine plays a role in movement and reward.
In summary, the nervous system is a complex network of cells that facilitates communication between different parts of the body. It is divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, with the CNS controlling voluntary movements and the PNS transmitting information to and from the CNS. The ANS controls involuntary actions, and the nervous system is made up of millions of specialized cells called neurons, which communicate with one another through the release of neurotransmitters.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the complex network of cells that facilitates communication between different parts of the body, the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and the functions of neurons and neurotransmitters.
