Nervous System Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Identify the three main functions of the nervous system.

Receive information, 2. Process information, 3. Coordinate a response to information.

What are the two main divisions of the human nervous system?

The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

What makes up the central nervous system?

The brain and the spinal cord.

What makes up the peripheral nervous system?

All parts of the nervous system that lie outside the brain and the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

What connects the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system?

The spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

How does the peripheral nervous system connect the central nervous system to all other parts of the body?

Information is collected from sensory receptors all over the body (PNS) and taken to the brain via the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the main functions of the central nervous system.

To process information received through sensory systems and other parts of the body and to activate appropriate actions to external/internal stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What protects the central nervous system?

Bone, with the brain protected by the skull and the spinal cord by the spinal column, along with meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the brain's role in the central nervous system.

The brain processes information received through nerve pathways from the body and directs responses. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the spinal cord's structure in the central nervous system.

The spinal cord is a long, thin bundle of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain to the lower back, encased in vertebrae. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the two main functions of the spinal cord.

To receive sensory information from the body and send messages to the brain for processing, and to relay motor information from the brain to the body. Signup and view all the answers

Define spinal reflex.

An involuntary response that occurs immediately in response to certain stimuli without consulting the brain. Signup and view all the answers

How does the brain play a role after a spinal reflex?

While the spinal cord sends a return message to the hand, another message is sent to the brain, which may trigger another reaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the somatic nervous system made of?

A network of nerves. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main functions of the somatic nervous system?

To carry sensory information from nerves to the central nervous system and carry motor information from the central nervous system to muscles. Signup and view all the answers

Where in the body are the sensory receptor sites?

In the skin, muscles, joints, and tendons. Signup and view all the answers

The somatic nervous system is also called?

The skeletal nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the autonomic system made of?

A network of nerves. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of the Nervous System

Responsible for receiving, processing, and coordinating responses to information.

Divisions of the Nervous System

Comprises two main divisions:
- Central nervous system (CNS)
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Made up of the brain and spinal cord.
Protected by bony structures:
- Skull for the brain
- Spinal column for the spinal cord
Covered by meninges and suspended in cerebrospinal fluid for additional protection.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes all nervous system components outside the CNS.
Connects the CNS to the body, providing a pathway for sensory and motor information.

Connection Between CNS and PNS

The spinal cord serves as a vital link connecting the CNS to the PNS.

Functions of the Spinal Cord

Processes sensory information from the body and sends messages to the brain.
Relays motor commands from the brain to specific body parts to control actions.

Spinal Reflexes

Involuntary reactions that occur without brain involvement, acting quickly to harmful stimuli (e.g., withdrawing a hand from heat).
Protects the body by triggering immediate responses through the spinal cord.

Brain's Role in the CNS

Acts as the central processing unit for information received from the body and guides responses to stimuli.

Structure of the Spinal Cord

A long, thin nerve tissue extension, protected by vertebrae.
Links the brain with the body below the neck.

Somatic Nervous System

A network of sensory and motor nerves connecting skeletal muscles to the CNS.
Responsible for transmitting sensory information to the CNS and motor commands to the muscles.

Sensory Receptor Sites

Located in skin, muscles, joints, and tendons to gather external stimuli.

Autonomic Nervous System

A network of nerves that manage involuntary body functions, regulating internal organs and glands.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Test your knowledge of the nervous system with these flashcards. The quiz covers key functions, divisions, and components of the nervous system. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding or prepare for assessments.