Nervous System Functions Quiz

Nervous System Overview

• The nervous system controls all body functions.
• It monitors internal and external stimuli.
• It maintains homeostasis.
• It includes mental activities like consciousness, memory, and thinking.

Nervous Response

• Stimulus: A thing or event that causes a response in an organ.
• Response: Any action resulting from a stimulus.

Neuron Anatomy and Physiology

• Neurons are conducting cells.
• Neuroglia are supportive cells.
• Parts of a neuron: Cell body, dendrites, axon, and myelin sheath.
• Dendrites receive signals, the cell body integrates information, the axon transmits signals, and the myelin sheath insulates and speeds the transmission of signals.

Neuron Classification

• Multipolar neurons have many processes extending from the cell body. They are found in the brain and spinal cord.
• Bipolar neurons have two processes, one extending from each end of the cell body. These are found in the ear, eyes, and nose.
• Unipolar neurons have a single process extending from the cell body. These are located outside the brain and spinal cord.

Nervous System Components

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Connects the CNS to the rest of the body., composed of cranial nerves and spinal nerves.

  • Cranial nerves - 12 pairs connecting to the brain.
  • Spinal nerves - 31 pairs connecting to the spinal cord
    • The spinal cord carries information to and from the brain, governing simple responses (reflexes)

• The CNS relays messages, processes information, and analyzes information.

Affectors and Effectors

• Affectors: Structures that send signals to the CNS.
• Effectors: Structures that respond to signals from the CNS.

Brain Divisions

• Forebrain: Processes sensory information, reasoning, problem-solving and regulating autonomic, endocrine, and motor functions.
• Midbrain: Regulates movement, auditory, and visual information.
• Hindbrain: Regulates autonomic functions, relay sensory information, coordinate movement, and maintain balance and equilibrium.

Brain Regions- Major Parts

• Cerebrum- The largest part of the brain, responsible for sensory and motor activities.
• Cerebellum- Located beneath the back part of the cerebrum, involved in voluntary movement and balance.
• Brainstem- An area linking the cerebrum and cerebellum including Midbrain, Pons, and Medulla Oblongata.
  • Midbrain: Controls eye movement.
  • Medulla Oblongata: Controls breathing, heart rate, swallowing, temperature, sleep.
• Diencephalon:
  • Hypothalamus: Links nervous system to endocrine system.
  • Thalamus: Processes sensory information

Four Lobes of the Brain

• Frontal Lobe: Reasoning, motor control, emotion, language, executive functions.
• Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information.
• Temporal Lobe: Hearing, memory, emotion, language.
• Occipital Lobe: Primary visual cortex, interpreting visual information.

Autonomic Nervous System

• Autonomic functions include involuntary actions like digestion, heart rate, and breathing.
  • Sympathetic: "Fight or flight" response.
  • Parasympathetic: "Rest and digest" response.

Keeping the Nervous System Healthy

• Maintain proper intake of healthy fats.
• Regular exercise, stretching and reading.
• Daily writing, engaging in social activities.