Nervous System Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the structural and functional difference between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system?

Both A and B are correct. (correct)

The CNS is the control center, brain and spinal cord.

The CNS is located outside of the body.

The PNS consists of nerve fibers that carry information to and from the CNS.

What is white matter composed of?

Myelinated fibers

Name the types of nerves in the peripheral nervous system.

Motor nerves, sensory nerves, mixed

What is the cerebrum?

The biggest part of the brain that contains both grey and white matter. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the cerebrum?

Mental activities such as thinking, reasoning, learning, and voluntary muscle control. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of functioning areas in the cerebral cortex?

Sensory areas, motor areas, association areas. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the cerebellum?

Control over posture, balance, and fine coordination of voluntary muscle movement. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the hypothalamus?

Maintaining homeostasis, regulating the autonomic nervous system, body temperature, and other bodily functions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the medulla oblongata?

Regulates heart rate, breathing, and reflexes such as swallowing and coughing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

Communication between the two cerebral hemispheres. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the meninges?

To protect the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cerebrospinal fluid?

Support, protection, transport. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure of the spinal cord.

It is cylindrical with white matter on the outside and grey matter on the inside. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the spinal cord?

Pathway for communication and integration of automatic protective reflexes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the structures that protect the central nervous system?

Bone, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid. Signup and view all the answers

What components work together in a simple spinal reflex arc?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Is the brain involved in spinal reflexes?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why can't the brain be involved in a simple spinal reflex arc?

Reflexes occur quickly to minimize damage; waiting for the brain would delay responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sensory (afferent) division?

Transmits sensory information to the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Central and Peripheral Nervous System

The Central Nervous System (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord, serving as the control center, while the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) consists of nerve fibers transporting information to and from the CNS.
White matter consists of myelinated fibers, located inside the brain and outside the spinal cord, facilitating communication within the nervous system.
The PNS contains three types of nerves: motor nerves (carry signals to muscles), sensory nerves (carry signals from sensory receptors), and mixed nerves (contain both types).

Cerebrum

The cerebrum is the largest brain part, characterized by its folds and comprises both grey and white matter.
Functions include critical cognitive processes such as thinking, reasoning, learning, memory, and the initiation of voluntary muscle control, as well as perceiving sensory input.

Cerebral Cortex Areas

Sensory areas interpret impulses from receptors, motor areas control muscular movements, and association areas engage in intellectual and emotional processes.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is responsible for maintaining posture, balance, and fine motor coordination, but does not initiate movement, ensuring fluid and controlled actions.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in homeostasis, regulating the autonomic nervous system, body temperature, food and water intake, sleep patterns, emotional responses, and endocrine functions including metabolism and growth.

Medulla Oblongata

The medulla oblongata adjusts body systems automatically through specialized centers, controlling heart rate, breathing rate, blood vessel diameter, and reflex actions like swallowing and coughing.

Corpus Callosum

The corpus callosum facilitates communication between the right and left cerebral hemispheres, ensuring coordinated functioning.

Meninges

Meninges consist of three connective tissue layers that protect the CNS, covering both the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

CSF provides support, protection, and transport for nutrients and waste within the CNS.

Spinal Cord Structure and Function

The spinal cord is cylindrical, with white matter on the outside and grey matter on the inside, containing a central canal filled with CSF. It connects muscles and glands to the brain and integrates reflex actions.

Protection of the CNS

The central nervous system is protected by bones (skull and vertebrae), meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Spinal Reflex Arc Components

A simple spinal reflex arc includes receptors that initiate nerve impulses in sensory neurons, synapses that transmit impulses to motor neurons, and effectors (muscle or secretory cells) that respond to the commands.

Brain and Reflexes

While the brain is not involved in the reflex action itself, sensory impulses are sent to the brain afterward, making individuals aware of the situation post-response.

Importance of Reflex Speed

Reflex arcs operate quickly as protective mechanisms to minimize bodily harm, bypassing slower brain processing for immediate reaction to potential dangers.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of the central and peripheral nervous systems with these flashcards. Learn about the structural and functional differences, as well as the composition and location of white matter. Ideal for students studying biology or neuroscience.