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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system is responsible for processing and integrating information.
The peripheral nervous system is responsible for processing and integrating information.
False
What is the main function of the autonomic nervous system?
What is the main function of the autonomic nervous system?
Regulates involuntary actions such as heartbeat, digestion, and breathing
The ______________ nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.
The ______________ nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.
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What is the main function of glial cells?
What is the main function of glial cells?
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Neurons can transmit signals over short distances only.
Neurons can transmit signals over short distances only.
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What is the function of oligodendrocytes?
What is the function of oligodendrocytes?
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Match the following parts of the nervous system with their functions:
Match the following parts of the nervous system with their functions:
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The ______________ carries the nerve impulse from the cell body to the next cell.
The ______________ carries the nerve impulse from the cell body to the next cell.
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What is the function of Schwann cells?
What is the function of Schwann cells?
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Study Notes
Nervous System Overview
- The nervous system is responsible for information processing and communication between different parts of the body.
- It is more than just the brain, and is a system that helps us sense, interpret, and respond to the world around us.
Structure of the Nervous System
- The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, and is responsible for processing and integrating information.
- The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the CNS to the outside world and the body, and is divided into sensory and motor portions.
- The sensory portion senses the external world, while the motor portion controls muscles and organs.
Divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System
- The somatic nervous system (SNS) controls voluntary movements and sensory perception.
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary actions such as heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.
- The ANS is further divided into the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
- The SNS is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, while the PNS controls the "rest and digest" response.
Cells of the Nervous System
- There are two main types of cells in the nervous system: neurons and glia.
- Neurons transmit information across the nervous system and are essentially the "wires" of the nervous system.
- Glial cells, also known as glia, provide support and maintenance functions for neurons.
Neuron Function
- Neurons receive and transmit signals through dendrites and axons.
- The axon carries the nerve impulse from the cell body to the next cell.
- Neurons can transmit signals over long distances, with the sciatic nerve being the longest nerve in the body.
Glial Cells
- Oligodendrocytes provide insulation to neurons in the CNS, allowing neurons to pass electrical signals rapidly.
- Schwann cells provide insulation to neurons in the PNS.
- Astrocytes perform various functions to support neuron function, while microglia act as the brain's immune system.
Neural Circuits
- The nervous system works by transmitting signals from one neuron to another, forming a neural circuit.
- Neurons can be classified as afferent, efferent, or interneurons based on their function in the circuit.
- Afferent neurons receive information and pass it towards the CNS, while efferent neurons receive information from the CNS and pass it to the periphery.
Reflex Circuit
- A classic example of a neural circuit is the reflex circuit, which involves three neurons: afferent sensory neuron, interneuron, and efferent neuron.
- This circuit allows for rapid responses to stimuli, such as pulling your hand away from something hot.
Nervous System Overview
- The nervous system processes information and facilitates communication between different body parts.
- It involves more than just the brain, enabling us to sense, interpret, and respond to the world around us.
Structure of the Nervous System
- The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and integrating information.
- The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the CNS to the outside world and the body, divided into sensory and motor portions.
Divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System
- The somatic nervous system (SNS) controls voluntary movements and sensory perception.
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary actions like heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.
- The ANS is further divided into the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
- The SNS is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, while the PNS controls the "rest and digest" response.
Cells of the Nervous System
- There are two main types of cells: neurons and glia.
- Neurons transmit information across the nervous system, serving as the "wires" of the nervous system.
- Glial cells (glia) provide support and maintenance functions for neurons.
Neuron Function
- Neurons receive and transmit signals through dendrites and axons.
- The axon carries the nerve impulse from the cell body to the next cell.
- Neurons can transmit signals over long distances, with the sciatic nerve being the longest nerve in the body.
Glial Cells
- Oligodendrocytes provide insulation to neurons in the CNS, enabling rapid electrical signal transmission.
- Schwann cells provide insulation to neurons in the PNS.
- Astrocytes perform various functions to support neuron function.
- Microglia act as the brain's immune system.
Neural Circuits
- The nervous system works by transmitting signals from one neuron to another, forming a neural circuit.
- Neurons can be classified as afferent, efferent, or interneurons based on their function in the circuit.
- Afferent neurons receive information and pass it towards the CNS, while efferent neurons receive information from the CNS and pass it to the periphery.
Reflex Circuit
- A reflex circuit involves three neurons: afferent sensory neuron, interneuron, and efferent neuron.
- This circuit allows for rapid responses to stimuli, such as pulling your hand away from something hot.
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Description
Learn about the structure and function of the nervous system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, and how they process and communicate information.
