Nervous System I: Nervous Tissue Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following glial cells is responsible for maintaining the chemical environment of calcium and potassium in the CNS?

Astrocytes (correct)

Schwann cells

Oligodendrocytes

Microglia

What is the function of the posterior root ganglia?

To carry sensory information from the body to the spinal cord. (correct)

To carry motor signals from the spinal cord to muscles and glands.

To regulate the environment around neurons in the PNS.

To produce myelin in the PNS.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the pia mater?

It is the outermost layer of the meninges. (correct)

It is directly in contact with the spinal cord and brain.

It helps supply nutrients and remove waste with blood vessels.

It is thin and delicate.

Which type of neuron is characterized by a fused axon and dendrite that emerges from the cell body as one unit?

Unipolar neuron (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the white matter of the spinal cord?

To transmit signals up and down the spine. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron is responsible for conducting impulses from sensory receptors to the central nervous system?

Sensory (afferent) neurons (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in neurons?

To insulate the axon and speed up nerve signal transmission (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role do Schwann cells play in the peripheral nervous system?

They produce myelin and aid in the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure of a neuron is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?

Dendrites (A) Signup and view all the answers

What describes the function of myelin sheath gaps, also known as nodes of Ranvier?

They facilitate the jumping of electrical signals between nodes to increase transmission speed (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do heat receptors in the skin play in a reflex action?

They detect stimuli related to temperature. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for transporting signals from the integrating center to the effector in a reflex arc?

Motor neuron (B) Signup and view all the answers

During the patellar reflex test, what type of movement is typically observed?

Extension of the leg. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting basic reflex tests such as the Achilles tendon reflex?

To test spinal nerve function. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a reflex arc compared to voluntary muscle movements?

Is faster and more involuntary. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System I: Nervous Tissue and the Spinal Cord

The nervous system is a complex network controlling all body processes.
It receives, integrates, and initiates reactive measures to maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.
The nervous system has two major divisions: central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS).
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
The PNS includes cranial nerves, spinal nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors.

Structure of Nervous Tissue

Neurons: The functional units of the nervous system.
- Specialized for impulse conduction.
- Responsible for the nervous system's functions (e.g., thinking, muscle activity).
- Classified into three types based on function: sensory (afferent), interneuron (association), and motor (efferent).

Neuroglia

The second category of cells in nervous tissue.
Perform various functions, including structural support, forming myelin sheaths, and maintaining the chemical environment.

Structure of the Spinal Cord

Protected by the vertebral column.
Extends from the medulla oblongata to L2 vertebrae.
Contains: white matter bundles of axons and gray matter (cell bodies and interneurons).

Spinal Meninges

Three layers of connective tissue surrounding the spinal cord.
- Dura Mater: Superficial, tough, and protective outer layer.
- Arachnoid Mater: Middle layer, composed of collagen and elastic fibers.
- Pia Mater: Deepest layer, adhering to the spinal cord, containing blood vessels.
Subdural Space: Space between Dura and Arachnoid Mater filled with interstitial fluid.
Subarachnoid Space: Space between Arachnoid and Pia Mater filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Epidural Space: Space between the vertebral column’s bone and the Dura Mater, filled with fat and connective tissues.

Spinal Nerves and Plexuses

31 pairs of spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord, connecting to the PNS.
Each nerve is a bundle of axons.
Spinal nerves have anterior and posterior roots, conveying sensory and motor information.
Posterior roots carry sensory information to the CNS.
Anterior roots carry motor information from the CNS.
Rami: branches formed by anterior rami of spinal nerves.
Plexuses: networks formed by anterior rami that innervate specific body regions.

Reflexes

Rapid, automatic responses to stimuli.
Maintain homeostasis.
Involve five components of a reflex arc: sensory receptor, sensory neuron, integrating center, motor neuron and effector.
Monosynaptic reflexes: Involve a single synapse between sensory and motor neurons.
Polysynaptic reflexes: Involve multiple synapses and interneurons.

Reflex Tests

Clinical diagnostics using reflex tests to evaluate the nervous system.
Procedures describe for identifying different types of reflexes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure and function of nervous tissue and the spinal cord. This quiz covers key concepts including the division of the nervous system, the role of neurons, and the functions of neuroglia. Enhance your understanding of how the nervous system maintains homeostasis and coordinates body processes.