Nervous System Functions and Properties

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of Schwann cells in the PNS?

Forming myelin sheaths around nerve fibers

The blood brain barrier is an absolute barrier that prevents all substances from entering the brain.

False

What is the main function of oligodendrocytes in the CNS?

Producing myelin sheaths around nerve fibers

Nodes of Ranvier are gaps formed between ______________ cells along an axon.

Schwann Signup and view all the answers

Match the following neuroglia with their functions:

Schwann cells = Forming myelin sheaths around nerve fibers in the PNS Oligodendrocytes = Producing myelin sheaths around nerve fibers in the CNS Microglia = Protecting the CNS from harm Astrocytes = Bracing and supporting nervous tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances can easily diffuse through the blood brain barrier?

Fats / fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the nervous system?

To sense and respond to changes in the external and internal environment Signup and view all the answers

The nervous system has a sensory function to carry impulses away from the CNS.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two properties common to nerve tissue?

Irritability and conductivity Signup and view all the answers

The nervous system is responsible for maintaining _______________ activities essential to life.

homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following functions of the nervous system with their descriptions:

Sensory function = Carries impulses towards the CNS Integrative function = Analyzes and makes decisions about incoming information Motor function = Carries out a response to a stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Where is nervous system tissue located?

In the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of myelin in nerve fibers?

To increase the speed of nerve impulse transmission Signup and view all the answers

Gray matter contains myelinated nerve fibers.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the gaps between myelin sheaths on an axon?

Nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

Nerve fibers that transmit impulses away from the CNS are called _______________ neurons.

Efferent Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of neurons with their descriptions:

Multipolar = Has many nerve fibers arising from the cell body Bipolar = Has two nerve fibers arising from the cell body Unipolar = Has a single nerve fiber arising from the cell body Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sensory neurons?

To transmit impulses towards the CNS Signup and view all the answers

All nerve fibers are myelinated.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the bundle of nerve fibers twisted together in a peripheral nerve?

Fascicle Signup and view all the answers

The cell body of a neuron contains _______________ and most organelles.

Cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a group of cell bodies in the PNS?

Ganglion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory receptors?

To gather information from the surrounding environment Signup and view all the answers

The nervous system works alone to maintain homeostasis.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Signup and view all the answers

The ______________ nervous system senses changes in the internal environment.

Autonomic Signup and view all the answers

Match the following nervous system divisions with their functions:

Somatic Nervous System = Senses change in the external environment Autonomic Nervous System = Senses change in the internal environment Sympathetic Nervous System = Mobilizes body resources for stress Parasympathetic Nervous System = Conserves body resources for rest Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of neuroglia?

To support and protect neurons Signup and view all the answers

The endocrine system works in competition with the nervous system.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional unit of the nervous system?

Neurons Signup and view all the answers

The ______________ nervous system prepares the body to cope with stress.

Sympathetic Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major properties of neurons?

Irritability and Conductivity Signup and view all the answers

All cranial nerves are mixed nerves.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sequence of electrical changes when a nerve cell membrane is exposed to a stimulus that exceeds its threshold?

Action Potential Signup and view all the answers

The major intracellular cation is ___________________.

K Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Na/K pump?

To pump excess Na out of the cell and K back into the cell Signup and view all the answers

The transmission of the impulse is purely chemical.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of a neuron to sense changes?

Irritability Signup and view all the answers

The ___________________ gates open when a neuron is stimulated, allowing Na ions to rush into the cell.

Sodium Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of nerves with their characteristics:

Sensory = Carry only sensory information to the CNS Motor = Carry only motor information away from the CNS Mixed = Carry both sensory and motor information Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the interval following the excitation of a neuron during which repolarization of the cell membrane is occurring?

Refractory period Signup and view all the answers

Salutatory conduction involves the spread of impulses along the neuron's membrane.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of calcium in nerve cells?

Ca promotes the fusion of synaptic vesicles and mediates neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

The process of _______________ transmission involves the transmission of impulses from one neuron to another across the synapse.

synaptic Signup and view all the answers

Match the following neurotransmitters with their functions:

Endorphins = Reduce pain Serotonin = Linked to depression Dopamine = A 'feel good' neurotransmitter Acetylcholine = The most widespread neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

Reflexes are learned responses.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interneurons in a reflex arc?

Interneurons may be present in a reflex arc, but they are not a required element. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of damage to the cell body of a neuron?

The neuron will not survive Signup and view all the answers

The process of _______________ involves the regeneration of axons in the peripheral nervous system.

neuron regeneration Signup and view all the answers

Neurotransmitters are released from the cell body of a neuron.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory receptors?

To gather information from the internal and external environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the integrative function of the nervous system?

To integrate sensory information and create thoughts and decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

To regulate body functions involuntarily Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the myelin sheath?

To increase the speed of nerve impulse transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the gaps between myelin sheaths on an axon?

Nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stress, while the parasympathetic nervous system conserves body resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of neurons?

To transmit messages from one body part to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sensory neurons?

To transmit impulses towards the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of neuroglia?

To provide structural support and protection to neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a group of cell bodies in the PNS?

Ganglion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of effectors?

To transmit impulses from the CNS to muscles and glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the bundle of nerve fibers twisted together in a peripheral nerve?

Nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of interneurons?

To integrate information in the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system?

The CNS interprets sensory information, while the PNS transmits impulses to effectors Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of a neuron to sense changes?

Irritability Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the pathway of a nerve impulse from receptor to effector?

Reflex arc Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?

To supply voluntary skeletal muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a group of cell bodies in the CNS?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of motor neurons?

To transmit impulses away from the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sequence of electrical changes when a nerve cell membrane is exposed to a stimulus that exceeds its threshold?

Action potential Signup and view all the answers

Which neuroglia is responsible for forming myelin sheaths around nerve fibers in the CNS?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of tight junctions in the blood-brain barrier?

To selectively allow certain substances to pass through Signup and view all the answers

What type of molecules can easily diffuse through the blood-brain barrier?

Fat-soluble molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of astrocytes in the CNS?

To provide structural support to nervous tissue and maintain the blood-brain barrier Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of microglia in the CNS?

To protect the CNS from infection Signup and view all the answers

What are the gaps formed between Schwann cells along an axon called?

Nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory nerves?

To carry sensory information to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sequence of electrical changes when a nerve cell membrane is exposed to a stimulus that exceeds its threshold?

Action potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the major intracellular cation in neurons?

Potassium (K) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of a neuron to sense changes?

Irritability Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the Na ions rushing into the neuron during depolarization?

The cell membrane becomes less polarized Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Na/K pump?

To pump sodium ions out of the neuron and potassium ions in Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which an impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another across the synapse?

Synaptic transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of action potential?

It is an all-or-none response Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the gaps between myelin sheaths on an axon?

Nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the propagation of a nerve impulse along a myelinated fiber?

Saltatory conduction Signup and view all the answers

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

To carry impulses towards the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the property of nerve tissue that allows it to sense changes?

Irritability Signup and view all the answers

What is the response of the nervous system to changes in the internal and external environment?

To sense the changes and then respond Signup and view all the answers

What type of conduction occurs in unmyelinated neurons?

Continuous conduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the integrative function in the nervous system?

To analyze incoming information and make decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the refractory period?

To prevent the neuron from accepting a threshold stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of the nervous system to regulate activities essential to maintaining life?

Homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What direction does synaptic transmission occur?

From axon to dendrite Signup and view all the answers

Where is nervous system tissue located?

In the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of calcium in nerve cells?

To promote neurotransmitter release Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of endorphins?

To reduce pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a reflex arc?

It is a automatic response Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the receptor in a reflex arc?

To receive the stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of damage to the cell body of a neuron?

The neuron will likely die Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of neuron regeneration?

The process of sprouting and reconnection Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of dopamine in the nervous system?

To produce a 'feel good' response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a function of the nervous system?

Sending signals to the receptors of the body Signup and view all the answers

Integrative functions of the body involve:

analyzing information and making decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a type of receptor in the body?

Exocrine Signup and view all the answers

Effectors of the body:

involve all of the above. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is correct?

The nervous system is fast-acting and short-lasting. Signup and view all the answers

Information going to the muscles travels down what nervous system?

Somatic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following involves 12 pairs of cranial nerves, 31 spinal nerves, and allows for direct access in and our of the brain?

Peripheral Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

The "fight-or-flight" response is associated with which of the following nervous systems?

Sympathetic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a property of neurons?

protection Signup and view all the answers

The axon terminates at the:

synaptic knob of the axon terminal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cells are only found in the peripheral nervous system?

Schwann Signup and view all the answers

Nerve impulses going toward the brain travel along what pathways?

Afferent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contains large quantities of myelinated fibres?

White matter Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is correctly matched?

motor - multipolar Signup and view all the answers

Bundles of neurons axons in the PNS are called:

Fascicles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is correctly matched?

nuclei - CNS Signup and view all the answers

Cranial nerves:

Are a mixture of all of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the number-one extracellular ion?

Sodium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is happening during depolarization?

Sodium is rushing into the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is happening during repolarization?

Potassium rushes out of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is it called when the action potential jumps between gaps in the myelin sheath?

Saltatory conduction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following happens when a neurotransmitter binds to a receptor site?

Opens sodium channels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the neurotransmitter that is deficient in Parkinson’s disease and also acts as a “feel good” neurotransmitter?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

When the nervous impulse reaches the synaptic knobs, which chemical enters and causes the release of the neurotransmitter?

Calcium ions Signup and view all the answers

Drag the words into the correct boxes

Type of action potential appears to leap from node to node = Saltatory conduction Site where information is transmitted from one neuron to another = synapse the supporting cells of the nervous system = glia Chemicals by which neurons communicate = neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the correct sequence of the reflex arc?

receptor – afferent neuron – interneuron – efferent neuron - effector Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true of reflexes?

They can be learned and controlled. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would not represent a reflex?

Lifting your arm to wave to someone you recognized. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the follow cells forms the blood brain barrier?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

These cells resemble epithelial cells and are responsible for producing fluid in the CNS.

Ependymal Signup and view all the answers

Cells that provide defense in the CNS through phagocytosis are:

Microglia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Overview

Nerve tissue is located in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
The nervous system has two main functions: to sense changes in the internal and external environment and to respond to those changes

Properties of Nerve Tissue

Irritability: the ability to sense changes in the environment
Conductivity: the ability to transmit electrical impulses

Functions of the Nervous System

Sensory function: carries impulses towards the CNS
Integrative function: analyzes information and formulates a response
Motor function: carries out a response
Master control: communication system
Homeostasis: regulates activities essential to maintaining life

Responsiveness

Sense: notice changes in the internal and external environment
Integrate: analyze information and make decisions
Respond: cause the body to respond to changes in the environment

Receptors and Effectors

Receptors: located at the end of peripheral nerves, gather information from the environment
Effectors: organs that respond to stimulation, such as muscles and glands

Divisions of the Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): nerves connecting the CNS to the rest of the body

Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

Somatic Nervous System: senses changes in the external environment, supplies voluntary structures
Autonomic Nervous System: senses changes in the internal environment, supplies involuntary structures
Sympathetic Nervous System: mobilizes body resources, prepares body to cope with stress
Parasympathetic Nervous System: conserves body resources, works at rest

Neurons and Neuroglia

Neurons: functional unit of the nervous system, senses, integrates, and responds to information
Neuroglia: support and protect neurons, 5x more abundant than neurons

Structure and Function of Neurons

Cell Body: contains cytoplasm, cell membrane, and organelles
Dendrites: receives impulses from other neurons
Axon: transmits information away from the cell body
Myelin: increases speed of nerve impulse transmission, protects, and insulates

Pathway of a Nerve Impulse

Stimulus is picked up by sensory receptors
Travels along an afferent neuron to the CNS
Interpreted and integrated in the CNS
Message is returned to the effector via an efferent neuron

Organization of Neurons

Nerve: a bundle of peripheral nerve fibers
Nuclei: group of cell bodies in the CNS
Ganglion: group of cell bodies in the PNS

Nerve Impulse Transmission

Depolarization: the sequence of electrical changes when a nerve cell membrane is exposed to a stimulus
Action Potential: an all-or-none response
Repolarization: the restoration of the electrical charge of the membrane
Na/K pump: returns Na and K to their original concentrations

Synaptic Transmission

Impulses must cross the synapse to move from one neuron to another
Neurotransmitters are released from the axon and bind to receptors on the next neuron
Impulse is transmitted to the next neuron

Refractory Period

The interval following the excitation of a neuron during which repolarization of the cell membrane is occurring
During this time, the neuron cannot accept a threshold stimulus

Neurotransmitters

Endorphins: reduce pain, produce an opiate-like feeling
Enkephalins: reduce pain, natural painkillers
Serotonin: regulates mood, appetite, and sleep
Acetylcholine: neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction
Adrenaline/Norepinephrine: neurotransmitters in the sympathetic division
Dopamine: "feel-good" neurotransmitter, deficient in Parkinson's disease

Nervous System Overview

Nerve tissue is located in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
The nervous system has two main functions: to sense changes in the internal and external environment and to respond to those changes

Properties of Nerve Tissue

Irritability: the ability to sense changes in the environment
Conductivity: the ability to transmit electrical impulses

Functions of the Nervous System

Sensory function: carries impulses towards the CNS
Integrative function: analyzes information and formulates a response
Motor function: carries out a response
Master control: communication system
Homeostasis: regulates activities essential to maintaining life

Responsiveness

Sense: notice changes in the internal and external environment
Integrate: analyze information and make decisions
Respond: cause the body to respond to changes in the environment

Receptors and Effectors

Receptors: located at the end of peripheral nerves, gather information from the environment
Effectors: organs that respond to stimulation, such as muscles and glands

Divisions of the Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): nerves connecting the CNS to the rest of the body

Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

Somatic Nervous System: senses changes in the external environment, supplies voluntary structures
Autonomic Nervous System: senses changes in the internal environment, supplies involuntary structures
Sympathetic Nervous System: mobilizes body resources, prepares body to cope with stress
Parasympathetic Nervous System: conserves body resources, works at rest

Neurons and Neuroglia

Neurons: functional unit of the nervous system, senses, integrates, and responds to information
Neuroglia: support and protect neurons, 5x more abundant than neurons

Structure and Function of Neurons

Cell Body: contains cytoplasm, cell membrane, and organelles
Dendrites: receives impulses from other neurons
Axon: transmits information away from the cell body
Myelin: increases speed of nerve impulse transmission, protects, and insulates

Pathway of a Nerve Impulse

Stimulus is picked up by sensory receptors
Travels along an afferent neuron to the CNS
Interpreted and integrated in the CNS
Message is returned to the effector via an efferent neuron

Organization of Neurons

Nerve: a bundle of peripheral nerve fibers
Nuclei: group of cell bodies in the CNS
Ganglion: group of cell bodies in the PNS

Nerve Impulse Transmission

Depolarization: the sequence of electrical changes when a nerve cell membrane is exposed to a stimulus
Action Potential: an all-or-none response
Repolarization: the restoration of the electrical charge of the membrane
Na/K pump: returns Na and K to their original concentrations

Synaptic Transmission

Impulses must cross the synapse to move from one neuron to another
Neurotransmitters are released from the axon and bind to receptors on the next neuron
Impulse is transmitted to the next neuron

Refractory Period

The interval following the excitation of a neuron during which repolarization of the cell membrane is occurring
During this time, the neuron cannot accept a threshold stimulus

Neurotransmitters

Endorphins: reduce pain, produce an opiate-like feeling
Enkephalins: reduce pain, natural painkillers
Serotonin: regulates mood, appetite, and sleep
Acetylcholine: neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction
Adrenaline/Norepinephrine: neurotransmitters in the sympathetic division
Dopamine: "feel-good" neurotransmitter, deficient in Parkinson's disease

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