Nervous System Chapter 13

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Questions and Answers

Which neurotransmitter is NOT active in both the CNS and PNS?

Norepinephrine

Acetylcholine

Dopamine (correct)

GABA

What is the main function of the white matter in the CNS?

Containing interneurons grouped in tracts (correct)

Producing and storing neurotransmitters

Storing cerebrospinal fluid

Conducting and transmitting signals

What is the primary role of the spinal cord in the nervous system?

Processing and integrating sensory information

Regulating voluntary muscle movements

Storing and releasing neurotransmitters

Providing a means of communication between the brain and peripheral nerves (correct)

Which of the following is a characteristic of grey matter in the CNS?

Short, nonmyelinated fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the meninges in the CNS?

To protect the CNS and provide a barrier Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the central canal in the spinal cord?

To contain cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is NOT mentioned in the content?

Epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the grey matter in the spinal cord?

Butterfly-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

To receive, integrate, and react to environmental stimuli to maintain homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord?

Central nervous system (CNS) Signup and view all the answers

What type of neurons transmit nerve impulses from sensory receptors to the CNS?

Sensory neurons Signup and view all the answers

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

To support, protect, and nourish neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the gaps on the axon with no myelin sheath?

Nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neurons receive input from sensory neurons and other neurons, and then communicate with motor neurons?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the protective covering on some axons formed by Schwann cells?

Myelin sheath Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for neurons that take nerve impulses away from the CNS to an effector that carries out responses to environmental change?

Motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Overview

The nervous system allows us to receive, integrate, and react to environmental stimuli to maintain homeostasis.
It consists of two main components: the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue contains two types of cells: neurons and neuroglia.
Neurons transmit nerve impulses between parts of the nervous system.
Neuroglia (or glial cells) support, protect, and nourish neurons.

Neuron Structure

Neurons are classified according to function: sensory, interneurons, and motor neurons.
Sensory neurons take impulses from sensory receptors to the CNS.
Interneurons receive input from sensory neurons and other neurons, and communicate with motor neurons.
Motor neurons take nerve impulses away from the CNS to an effector that carries out responses to environmental change.

Neuron Components

A neuron has three basic parts: cell body, dendrites, and axon.
The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles.
Dendrites receive signals from sensory receptors or other neurons.
The axon conducts nerve impulses away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

Some axons are covered by a protective myelin sheath formed by Schwann cells.
Nodes of Ranvier are gaps on the axon with no myelin sheath.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are substances that transmit signals between nerves.
Examples of neurotransmitters include acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and GABA.
Acetylcholine and norepinephrine are active in both the CNS and PNS.

The Central Nervous System (CNS)

The CNS is made up of the spinal cord and the brain.
The CNS is wrapped in protective membranes called meninges, with spaces filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
The CNS is composed of two types of nervous tissue: gray matter and white matter.
Gray matter is composed of short, non-myelinated fibers.
White matter is composed of myelinated axons.

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain through the foramen magnum into the vertebral canal.
The spinal cord has three main components: central canal, gray matter, and white matter.
The central canal is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
The gray matter is "butterfly shaped" and contains interneurons.
The white matter contains interneurons grouped in tracts (ascending and descending).

Functions of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord provides a means of communication between the brain and peripheral nerves.
The spinal cord is a center for reflex actions.

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Description

Overview of the nervous system, including its functions, components, and parts. Learn about the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and more.