Bio 12.3 Nervous System Organization Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the nervous system?

To control and integrate all body systems (correct)

To provide structural support to the body

To create energy for bodily functions

To transport nutrients throughout the body

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for receiving and processing sensory information?

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Central nervous system (CNS) (correct)

Somatic nervous system (SNS)

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

What are the bundles of cell bodies called in the central nervous system?

Nuclei (correct)

Ganglia

Nerves

Tracts

How do the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system primarily communicate?

Through networks of neurons and synapses Signup and view all the answers

What are the fibers called that extend from the CNS to a ganglion?

Preganglionic fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which components are included in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Nerves and ganglia outside the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What primarily composes gray matter in the central nervous system?

Unmyelinated axons, dendrites, and cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

To control involuntary bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

Where is gray matter predominantly located in the brain?

On the surface of the cerebral cortex Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the nervous system are bundles of axons referred to as tracts?

Central nervous system (CNS) Signup and view all the answers

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

Prepares the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the peripheral nervous system innervates skeletal muscles?

Somatic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the autonomic nervous system?

Controls involuntary bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

What happens to digestive functions when the sympathetic nervous system is activated?

They are inhibited to redirect energy Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the characteristics of the parasympathetic division?

Increases digestive functions Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the autonomic nervous system primarily operates under stress?

Sympathetic division Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is typically released by postganglionic neurons in sympathetic pathways?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic difference in the lengths of preganglionic and postganglionic fibers between sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways?

Preganglionic fibers are shorter in sympathetic pathways. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the cell bodies of afferent (sensory) neurons reside?

In the dorsal part of the spinal cord ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the dorsal root in the spinal cord?

Carrying sensory information from the periphery Signup and view all the answers

What type of information do efferent (motor) neurons carry?

Motor commands from the brain to effector organs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the autonomic nervous system?

Preganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic system release acetylcholine. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reflex arc involves an interneuron?

Polysynaptic reflex arc Signup and view all the answers

What do afferent neurons primarily transmit to the central nervous system?

Sensory information such as pain and pressure Signup and view all the answers

How does a monosynaptic reflex arc transmit impulses?

Directly, between the sensory and effector neuron Signup and view all the answers

From which part of the spinal cord do efferent neurons exit?

Ventral part Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes autonomic reflex arcs from somatic reflex arcs?

They are always polysynaptic Signup and view all the answers

What aids in the modulation of reflexes?

Input from the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway is characterized by longer preganglionic fibers compared to postganglionic fibers?

Parasympathetic pathways Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes efferent neurons?

They transmit impulses away from the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily found in the dark matter of the spinal cord?

Dendrites and cell bodies Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the process of a reflex arc?

Stimulation of a sensory receptor Signup and view all the answers

What type of reflexes involve input from the brain?

Supraspinal reflexes Signup and view all the answers

What do negative feedback loops primarily do?

Reduce stimuli moving a system away from normal range Signup and view all the answers

In a feedback loop, what is the role of the central nervous system?

To act as a control center that interprets signals Signup and view all the answers

In which situation can neural pathways operate as part of a positive feedback loop?

Childbirth process Signup and view all the answers

What process is primarily involved in maintaining homeostasis within neural pathways?

Feedback inhibition Signup and view all the answers

What is typically activated in response to a deviation from a set point in a sensory pathway?

Afferent pathways Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of negative feedback loops?

They reward deviations from normal range Signup and view all the answers

What describes the role of efferent pathways in a feedback loop?

They transmit motor responses to effectors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Organization

The nervous system controls and integrates body systems, including the brain, spinal cord, neurons & glial cells
CNS (Central Nervous System): Brain & spinal cord
PNS (Peripheral Nervous System): Nervous system components outside the brain & spinal cord
CNS receives and processes sensory info, coordinates responses
PNS relays info to & from CNS, carries out responses
Nuclei (CNS): Bundles of cell bodies
Ganglia (PNS): Bundles of cell bodies
Tracts (CNS): Bundles of axons
Nerves (PNS): Bundles of axons
Preganglionic Fibers: Neurons from CNS to ganglion
Postganglionic Fibers: Neurons from ganglion to target tissue
Gray Matter (CNS): Dendrites, cell bodies, unmyelinated axons
White Matter (CNS): Primarily myelinated axons
Gray matter is on the surface of the cerebral cortex in the brain, white matter is on the interior
In the spinal cord, white matter is on the surface, gray matter is in the core
Motor Division (PNS): Innervates skeletal muscles & ANS (Autonomic Nervous System)
Sensory Division (PNS): Delivers sensory info to the CNS
Somatic Nervous System: (Motor division): Skeletal muscles
Autonomic Nervous System: (Motor division): Cardiac & smooth muscles & glands

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

ANS is part of the PNS motor division & regulates involuntary functions
Sympathetic Division (ANS): "Fight or flight" responses, increased heart rate, liver glucose, airway dilation, inhibits nonessential activities
Parasympathetic Division (ANS): "Rest & digest" responses, increased digestion & energy storage, normal urination, decreased blood pressure
Preganglionic Neurons (ANS): Release acetylcholine, originate from the CNS
Postganglionic Neurons (ANS): Sympathetic pathways typically release norepinephrine, parasympathetic release acetylcholine

Afferent & Efferent Pathways

Afferent (Sensory) Neurons: Carry sensory info from periphery (pain, touch, pressure) to the CNS
Efferent (Motor) Neurons: Carry motor commands from the brain to effector organs (muscles, glands)
Spinal Nerves: Carry info to & from the spinal cord
Dorsal Root: Sensory info from periphery to spinal cord
Ventral Root: Motor commands from spinal cord to periphery

Reflexes

Reflexes: Involuntary responses to stimuli, may or may not require brain input
Reflex Arc: Neurons that mediate reflex responses (sensory, effector, interneuron)
Sensory Receptor Stimulation initiates the reflex arc
Monosynaptic Reflex Arc: Direct synapse between sensory & effector neuron
Polysynaptic Reflex Arc: Sensory neuron synapses with an interneuron, which then synapses with the effector neuron
Somatic Motor Reflexes: Can be monosynaptic or polysynaptic
Autonomic Reflex Arcs: Always polysynaptic
Supraspinal Reflexes: Involve input from the brain
Spinal Reflexes: Mediated entirely within the spinal cord

Feedback Control

Feedback Loop: Mechanism for maintaining homeostasis
Afferent Pathway: Detects deviations from a setpoint
Central Nervous System: Control center
Efferent Pathway: Activates responses in effector organs
Negative Feedback Loop: Neural response inhibits the initial stimulus to maintain homeostasis
Positive Feedback Loop: Neural response amplifies the initial stimulus, moving the system away from homeostasis

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Description

Test your knowledge of the organization of the nervous system, including the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). This quiz covers fundamental concepts such as the roles of neurons, glial cells, and the distinctions between gray and white matter. Challenge yourself on how these systems interact to control and coordinate body functions.