Nervous System Organization Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of collateral ganglia in the sympathetic nervous system?

To innervate viscera within the abdominopelvic cavity (correct)

To innervate the respiratory system

To control voluntary muscle movements in the limbs

To synapse with preganglionic neurons and directly stimulate the adrenal medulla

Which statement accurately describes the location of intramural ganglia?

Located in the thoracic cavity

Located near the spinal cord

Situated outside the target organ

Found within the walls of the target organ (correct)

The adrenal medulla functions to release which neurotransmitters into the bloodstream?

Norepinephrine and cortisol

Epinephrine and norepinephrine (correct)

Acetylcholine and dopamine

Serotonin and epinephrine

What role does the vagus nerve (CN X) fulfill in the parasympathetic nervous system?

Stimulates digestive enzyme secretion and lowers heart rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the interaction of preganglionic fibers within the sympathetic chain?

They connect with postganglionic neurons in collateral ganglia after exiting the sympathetic chain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Fight or flight response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the effects of the parasympathetic division?

Promotes digestion and energy storage Signup and view all the answers

Where are the sensory receptors for the sympathetic division primarily located?

Located throughout the body, including skin and muscles Signup and view all the answers

What does the enteric nervous system primarily regulate?

Gastrointestinal tract activity Signup and view all the answers

What critical function is inhibited by the sympathetic division during a stress response?

Digestive processes Signup and view all the answers

Which structures serve as effectors for both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of sympathetic trunk ganglia are located along the vertebral column?

23 pairs Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the parasympathetic division have on pupil size?

Constriction of pupils Signup and view all the answers

Which action is primarily driven by the sympathetic nervous system?

Redirecting blood flow to muscles Signup and view all the answers

What role does the enteric nervous system have in relation to the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

It regulates digestive processes and communicates with both divisions Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Store glycogen and provide energy to neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about oligodendrocytes?

They produce growth-inhibitory proteins that prevent axon regeneration Signup and view all the answers

What role do ependymal cells play in the central nervous system?

They line the ventricles and assist in cerebrospinal fluid circulation Signup and view all the answers

What do satellite cells do in the peripheral nervous system?

Surround and protect neuron cell bodies while regulating nutrient exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which function is specifically associated with somatic efferent neurons?

Carrying motor commands to skeletal muscles Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes visceral afferent neurons from somatic afferent neurons?

Visceral afferent neurons convey signals from internal organs to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of a chemical synapse?

Release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the process of decussation in the somatic sensory pathways?

Decussation occurs in the medulla oblongata for pain sensation. Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is primarily transmitted by the dorsal column (medial lemniscus) pathway?

Proprioception and pressure. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the anterolateral pathway, where does the 1st-order neuron synapse?

In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the thalamus in the sensory pathway?

To filter sensory information before it reaches the cortex. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the 2nd-order neuron in the somatic sensory pathways is true?

It decussates and synapses in the medulla oblongata for all sensations. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sensory information is NOT transmitted by the anterolateral pathway?

Fine touch. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sensory neuron begins at the sensory receptor in both pathways discussed?

1st-Order Neuron. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of effector organs?

They provide signals that lead to voluntary movements. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the anterior tract from the lateral tract in the anterolateral pathway?

Anterior tract carries sensory signals from upper parts, lateral from lower parts. Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles are primarily innervated by the Lateral Corticospinal Tract?

Appendicular muscles like arms and legs Signup and view all the answers

Where do the upper motor neurons of the Ventral Corticospinal Tract originate?

Primary motor cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a reflex arc in the nervous system?

To enable quick responses to stimuli without brain involvement Signup and view all the answers

At which spinal cord area does the decussation of the Lateral Corticospinal Tract occur?

Medulla oblongata (pyramids) Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome when a spinal cord injury occurs?

Inhibition of electrical impulses at the injury level Signup and view all the answers

What role do interneurons play during the reflex arc process?

They transport sensory information to the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which type of muscles do upper motor neurons innervate within the Ventral Corticospinal Tract?

Axial muscles for posture Signup and view all the answers

Where does the sensory neuron enter the spinal cord during a reflex action?

Dorsal root Signup and view all the answers

Which functions are regulated by the Autonomic Nervous System?

Involuntary body functions like heart rate and digestion Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the motor neuron after an injury to the spinal cord?

It continues functioning normally if below the injury Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the motor nervous system in the body?

To carry impulses from the CNS to muscle tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of sensory neurons?

They transmit sensory information from the body to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the group of neuron cell bodies located in the peripheral nervous system?

Ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main action of microglial cells in the central nervous system?

Acting as immune cells to clear away damaged neurons and pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which fiber type is responsible for carrying sensory information from the body to the central nervous system?

Afferent fibers Signup and view all the answers

In which structural division of the nervous system are meninges found?

Central Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes somatic efferent neurons from visceral efferent neurons?

Somatic neurons control voluntary muscle movement, while visceral neurons regulate involuntary muscle and gland functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of postganglionic fibers originating from the collateral ganglia?

To innervate viscera within the abdominopelvic cavity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the location of terminal ganglia?

Located near the target organ, typically outside the organ Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes intramural ganglia from terminal ganglia in terms of location?

Intramural ganglia are located within the target organ itself. Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for increasing secretion from glands in the mouth?

CN IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of neurotransmitter release from the adrenal medulla during a stress response?

Enhancing the body's fight or flight response Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature differentiates motor pathways from sensory pathways?

Target structures consist of muscles in motor pathways Signup and view all the answers

Which type of matter is primarily responsible for processing and integrating information in the spinal cord?

Gray matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the lower motor neuron in the somatic motor pathways?

Ends at the target skeletal muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is not involved in the sensory pathway?

Ventral horns Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscles does the Lateral Corticospinal Tract primarily innervate?

Appendicular muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic correctly describes white matter in the spinal cord?

Consists of organized columns Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Upper Motor Neuron of the Ventral Corticospinal Tract decussate?

At the level of the ventral horn Signup and view all the answers

Which type of information is transmitted specifically by the dorsal root ganglion?

Sensory neuron cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

What adjustment mechanism refines muscle contractions in the pyramidal and corticobulbar tracts?

Basal nuclei and cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

In a reflex arc, which structure is responsible for conducting information away from the spinal cord?

Motor neuron Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following two types of neurons are involved in somatic motor pathways?

Upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the spinal cord when a reflex arc is activated?

To directly activate muscles and initiate a quick response Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding spinal cord injuries?

They impact reflex actions occurring below the level of injury Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes gray matter in the spinal cord?

Contains nuclei of neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the autonomic nervous system's primary function?

Regulates involuntary body functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the path of the sensory signal from the skin during its transmission?

It travels horizontally from spinal nerve to target Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a reflex arc is activated first when touching a hot object?

Sensory receptor Signup and view all the answers

Where do the neurons in the lateral corticospinal tract primarily originate?

Primary motor cortex Signup and view all the answers

During a reflex action, what happens to the motor neuron after exiting the spinal cord?

It synapses with an effector muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the reflex arc?

Allows for immediate responses to stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key roles of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Regulating ion concentrations in the extracellular environment Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glial cell is responsible for forming the myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system?

Schwann cells Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes oligodendrocytes from Schwann cells?

Oligodendrocytes myelinate multiple axons, while Schwann cells myelinate a single axon. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of ependymal cells in the central nervous system?

Lining ventricles and aiding in cerebrospinal fluid circulation Signup and view all the answers

Which function is specifically associated with visceral afferent neurons?

Providing sensory feedback from internal organs to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

How do oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) contribute to the central nervous system?

They differentiate into oligodendrocytes, neurons, or astrocytes to aid in repair. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism by which a chemical synapse operates?

Release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic neurons Signup and view all the answers

In the peripheral nervous system, what is the role of satellite cells?

Regulating nutrient exchange between neuron cell bodies and their surroundings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tissues is specifically innervated by somatic efferent neurons?

Skeletal muscles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Outcomes - Nervous System Organization

Define ganglia, nerve, synapse, afferent fiber (sensory neuron), efferent fiber (motor neuron), and interneuron.
Differentiate between the functional and structural divisions of the nervous system.
Compare the tissues and structures innervated by somatic efferent, somatic afferent, visceral efferent, and visceral afferent neurons.
Recall the functions of neuroglia and differentiate between CNS and PNS neuroglia.
Differentiate between electrical and chemical synapses.

Structural Divisions of the Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord, integrating and processing nervous information; protected by meninges.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): All neural tissue outside the CNS; carries information to and from the CNS to the body, enabling responses.

Functional Division of the Nervous System

Motor (Efferent) Nervous System: Carries information away from the CNS to muscle tissue in the PNS. Initiates the responses to the collected information.
Sensory (Afferent) Nervous System: Collects sensory information (stimuli) from the body's internal and external environments, transmitting the information to the CNS for processing.

Important Definitions

Ganglia: Groups of neuron cell bodies in the PNS
Nerve: Bundles of axons in the PNS
Synapse: Junction between neurons (or between a neuron and other cells like muscle) allowing information transmission
Sensory (afferent) neurons: carry signals from the body to the CNS
Motor (efferent) neurons: carry signals from the CNS to muscles or glands
Interneurons: Connect neurons within the CNS to process and relay information
Afferent Fiber: Carries sensory information toward the CNS
Efferent Fiber: Carries motor commands from the CNS
Neuroglia: Supporting cells of the nervous system, non-transmitting electrical signals

Neuroglial Cells in the CNS

Microglial cells: Immune cells of the CNS, removing damaged neurons, infectious agents, and preventing inflammation.
Astrocytes: Most common glial cells, contributing to the blood-brain barrier, maintaining the physical structure of the brain, regulating neurotransmitter levels, and regulating the extracellular environment, including ion concentrations
Ependymal cells: Line the brain's ventricles, help produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid
Oligodendrocytes: Provide support and insulation to axons by forming the myelin sheath, which enhances signal transmission

Neuroglial Cells in the PNS

Schwann cells (neurolemmocytes): Form the myelin sheath, insulating axons, and enhancing signal transmission

Satellite cells

Flat cells surrounding neuron cell bodies in ganglia, separating cell bodies from interstitial fluid and regulating exchanges between neurons and environment

Types of Neurons and Innervated Tissues

Somatic Efferent Neurons: CNS to skeletal muscles (voluntary control)
Somatic Afferent Neurons: Sensory receptors to CNS (skin, muscles, joints, etc)
Visceral Efferent Neurons: CNS to smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands (involuntary control)
Visceral Afferent Neurons: Internal organs to CNS

Chemical Synapse

Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic cell.
The signal is transmitted in one direction.
Examples include neuromuscular junctions (muscle), synapses between neurons, and synapses in the central nervous system.

Electrical Synapse

Directly connected by gap junctions.
Electrical signals travel directly in both directions.
Examples include smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and some neurons

Spinal Cord; Sensory & Motor Tracts

Spinal Cord: Describe the somatic nervous system, relate components to previously discussed topics, recognize afferent and efferent pathways, distinguish between gray and white matter, compare sensory and motor tracts

Pain Reflex Arc

Recognize the pain reflex arc as an example of structural and functional organization of the nervous system.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Describe the ANS's 3 divisions and functions
Compare and contrast ANS and somatic nervous systems
Identify the role of the hypothalamus in ANS function
Compare and contrast sympathetic & parasympathetic divisions based on types of sensory/motor neuron, locations of neurons, axon lengths, and neurotransmitters.

Other

List the 3 locations of ganglia for the sympathetic division. (Paravertebral or sympathetic trunk ganglia, prevertebral or collateral ganglia, adrenal medulla)
List the different nerve plexuses in the body, and what they do. (Brachial, Lumbar, Sacral plexuses and the nerves they contain and the muscles they innervate).

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Description

Test your understanding of the nervous system's organization, including key definitions and structural classifications. This quiz covers ganglia, neurons, synapses, and the functional divisions of the central and peripheral nervous systems.