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Questions and Answers
The cerebellum is responsible for higher-order functions such as thinking and learning.
False
Neurotransmitters are released at the dendrites of a neuron.
False
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes the brain and spinal cord.
False
The synapse is the gap between the dendrites of two adjacent neurons.
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The brainstem regulates non-essential functions such as hunger and thirst.
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The autonomic nervous system is responsible for voluntary actions.
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What is the main difference between somatic and autonomic reflexes?
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What is the order of the reflex arc?
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What is the purpose of the withdrawal reflex?
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What are the three main characteristics of reflex actions?
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What is the role of the integration center in the reflex arc?
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Give an example of an autonomic reflex.
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Study Notes
Nervous System
Functions:
- Controls and coordinates various body functions
- Interprets and responds to stimuli
- Enables communication between different parts of the body
Structure:
-
Central Nervous System (CNS):
- Brain
- Spinal cord
-
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
- Somatic nervous system (voluntary actions)
- Autonomic nervous system (involuntary actions)
- Sensory neurons (transmit sensory information)
Parts of the Brain:
-
Cerebrum:
- Divided into two hemispheres (left and right)
- Responsible for higher-order functions (thinking, learning, emotion)
-
Cerebellum:
- Coordinates muscle movements and balance
-
Brainstem:
- Connects cerebrum and cerebellum to spinal cord
- Regulates essential functions (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure)
Neurons:
-
Structure:
- Dendrites (receive signals)
- Cell body (contains nucleus)
- Axon (transmits signals)
-
Transmission of Signals:
- Electrical impulses (action potentials) travel along axon
- Chemical signals (neurotransmitters) released at synapse
- Binding of neurotransmitters to receptors on adjacent neuron
Synapse:
- Gap between two neurons
- Chemical transmission occurs across synapse
- Strengthening or weakening of synaptic connections involved in learning and memory
Nervous System
Functions
- Coordinates and controls various body functions
- Interprets and responds to stimuli
- Enables communication between different parts of the body
Structure
- Consists of Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- CNS includes brain and spinal cord
- PNS includes somatic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and sensory neurons
Central Nervous System
- Brain interprets and responds to stimuli
- Spinal cord transmits messages between brain and rest of body
Peripheral Nervous System
- Somatic nervous system controls voluntary actions
- Autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions
- Sensory neurons transmit sensory information
Brain
Cerebrum
- Divided into two hemispheres (left and right)
- Responsible for thinking, learning, and emotion
Cerebellum
- Coordinates muscle movements and balance
Brainstem
- Connects cerebrum and cerebellum to spinal cord
- Regulates essential functions (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure)
Neurons
- Receive signals through dendrites
- Cell body contains nucleus
- Transmit signals through axon
- Electrical impulses (action potentials) travel along axon
- Chemical signals (neurotransmitters) released at synapse
- Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on adjacent neuron
Synapse
- Gap between two neurons
- Chemical transmission occurs across synapse
- Strengthening or weakening of synaptic connections involved in learning and memory
Reflex Actions
Definition and Characteristics
- Reflex actions are rapid, automatic responses to stimuli that don't involve the brain.
- They're involuntary, meaning they can't be controlled or stopped once started.
- Reflexes are characterized by speed, automaticity, and specificity.
Types of Reflexes
- Somatic reflexes involve skeletal muscles and are voluntary, such as withdrawing a hand from a hot surface.
- Autonomic reflexes involve smooth muscles and are involuntary, such as the pupil constricting in bright light.
Reflex Arc
- A reflex arc is the pathway by which a reflex action occurs.
- It consists of:
- Receptor: detects the stimulus
- Sensory neuron: transmits the signal to the spinal cord
- Integration center: processes the information and sends a response signal
- Motor neuron: transmits the response signal to the effector
- Effector: carries out the response, such as a muscle contraction
Examples of Reflex Actions
- Withdrawal reflex: withdrawing a hand from a hot surface
- Blinking reflex: closing the eyelids to protect the eyes from dust or other particles
- Knee-jerk reflex: straightening the leg when the patellar tendon is tapped
- Coughing reflex: expelling air from the lungs to remove an irritant from the trachea
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Description
Learn about the functions and structure of the nervous system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the different parts of the brain.
