Nervous System Functions

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Questions and Answers

How does the nervous system primarily achieve rapid integration of body functions?

Through the activation of the immune response.
Through the regulation of metabolic processes.
Through electrical and chemical signals transmitted by neurons. (correct)
Through the release of hormones into the bloodstream.

Which of the following is a key distinction between neurons and neuroglia?

Neurons are capable of cell division, while neuroglia are not.
Neurons support and protect other neurons, while neuroglia transmit signals.
Neurons are only found in the central nervous system, while neuroglia are only in the peripheral nervous system.
Neurons transmit signals, while neuroglia support and protect them. (correct)

What characteristic of the nervous system allows specific divisions to perform specialized tasks?

Its lack of structural diversity among neurons.
Its complex organization and hierarchical arrangement. (correct)
Its simple underlying unit.
Its reliance on only one cell type.

Which of the following accurately describes the functional relationship between the afferent and efferent divisions of the nervous system?

The afferent division carries sensory information to the CNS, while the efferent division carries motor commands from the CNS to effectors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

The somatic nervous system controls skeletal muscles, while the autonomic nervous system controls smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system differ in their effects on the body?

The sympathetic division is generally stimulatory, while the parasympathetic division is generally inhibitory. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which structural type of neuron is primarily associated with carrying somatosensory and viscerosensory information?

Unipolar neurons (A) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying neurons in the retina of the eye. Which structural type of neuron is she most likely to encounter?

Bipolar neurons (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the role of neuroglia in the nervous system?

Supporting, protecting, and maintaining the health of neurons. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell type is responsible for myelinating axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Schwann cells (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the primary function of myelin?

To increase the speed of action potential conduction along axons (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional significance of saltatory conduction?

It allows action potentials to jump between Nodes of Ranvier, increasing conduction velocity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the composition and structural organization of a nerve in the peripheral nervous system?

A bundle of myelinated processes enclosed by layers of connective tissue. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the composition of a nerve differ from that of a tract?

A nerve contains myelinated dendrites of sensory neurons and axons of motor neurons, while a tract contains myelinated axons of interneurons. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell type is responsible for forming the blood-brain barrier?

Astrocytes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ependymal cells in the central nervous system?

To line ventricles and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the primary function of microglia in the central nervous system?

Acting as macrophages to protect against microbes and clear cellular debris. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Regarding the spinal cord structure, what is the key distinction between the dorsal and ventral horns?

The dorsal horn contains sensory neuron cell bodies and interneurons, while the ventral horn contains motor neuron cell bodies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient has damage to the dorsal column of their spinal cord. Which sensory function would most likely be impaired?

Fine touch and proprioception (D) Signup and view all the answers

A lesion in the corticospinal tract would most likely result in which of the following?

Impaired voluntary motor control (A) Signup and view all the answers

The anterior spinothalamic tract carries which type of sensory information?

Crude touch and pressure (C) Signup and view all the answers

The rubrospinal tract primarily functions in:

Muscle coordination (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the structural organization of the cerebrum?

The cerebrum is divided into hemispheres, with external gray matter and internal white matter. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The longitudinal fissure divides the:

Left and right cerebral hemispheres (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of 1º Motor Area- Voluntary conscious commands generated?

Initiating and executing voluntary movements. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the premotor area play in motor function?

It plans and coordinates complex movements and motor skills. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functions is primarily associated with Broca's area?

Motor control of speech (D) Signup and view all the answers

The somatosensory association area is critical for which function?

Integrating sensory information into a context and discrimination. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Damage to the occipital lobe would most likely result in:

Visual deficits (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient exhibits difficulty understanding spoken language, but can still produce speech fluently. Which area of the brain is most likely affected?

Wernicke's area (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main functions associated with the prefrontal cortex?

Reasoning and abstract thinking. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the general interpretive area (Gnostic Area)?

Integrating information from multiple sensory modalities and higher cognitive functions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is predominantly controlled by the left cerebral hemisphere in most individuals?

Mathematical calculations and logical reasoning. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the corpus callosum contribute to brain function?

By facilitating communication and integration of information between the two cerebral hemispheres. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Given the functional differences between the cerebral hemispheres, which outcome is most likely following damage to the left hemisphere?

Difficulties with speech and logical thinking (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are generally considered functions of the nervous system?

Sensory input, motor output, and integration. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What determines the classification of efferent nervous system subdivisions?

The specific targets to which they are going. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are efferent NS subdivisions easier to classify?

Because they are going to specific targets. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which neuron structure is primarily responsible for receiving incoming signals from other neurons?

Dendrites (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the autonomic nervous system, what signifies the parasympathetic division's post-ganglionic neuron?

The post-ganglionic neuron is often located within or very near the effector organ. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A scientist discovers a new type of glial cell in the central nervous system. Which feature would suggest the cell is involved in immune functions?

The capacity to phagocytose cellular debris and pathogens. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a reflex arc, interneurons in the spinal cord typically:

Connect sensory and motor neurons, enabling rapid responses. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Satellite glial cells surround neurons in the:

Sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia (C) Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nervous System

The nervous system integrates body functions rapidly using electrical and chemical signals.

Nervous System Functions

The three broad functions of the nervous system are sensory input, motor output, and integration.