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Questions and Answers
What primary functions does the medulla control?
What primary functions does the medulla control?
The spinal cord is about 20-22 inches long.
The spinal cord is about 20-22 inches long.
False
What fills the spaces between the meninges protecting the spinal cord?
What fills the spaces between the meninges protecting the spinal cord?
Cerebrospinal fluid
The sympathetic nervous system is also known as the ______ division.
The sympathetic nervous system is also known as the ______ division.
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Match the following nervous system components with their functions:
Match the following nervous system components with their functions:
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What is the primary function of a neuron?
What is the primary function of a neuron?
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Which of the following actions is considered involuntary?
Which of the following actions is considered involuntary?
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The cerebellum has numerous convolutions on its outer cortex.
The cerebellum has numerous convolutions on its outer cortex.
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The parasympathetic nervous system increases heart rate.
The parasympathetic nervous system increases heart rate.
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What is the structure that protects the brain and is made of three layers?
What is the structure that protects the brain and is made of three layers?
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What term describes a rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus?
What term describes a rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus?
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The __________ connects the brain to the spinal cord.
The __________ connects the brain to the spinal cord.
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Match the parts of the brain to their functions:
Match the parts of the brain to their functions:
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What type of nerve encloses a cluster of neurons with a sheath?
What type of nerve encloses a cluster of neurons with a sheath?
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The autonomic nervous system is one of the three main types of nerves based on function.
The autonomic nervous system is one of the three main types of nerves based on function.
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Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling thoughts, memory, and learning?
Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling thoughts, memory, and learning?
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Study Notes
Nervous System Overview
- The nervous system controls all bodily activities, voluntary and involuntary.
- It is comprised of three major components:
- Central Nervous System (CNS):
- Composed of the brain and spinal cord.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
- Composed of all nerves leading into and out of the CNS.
- Autonomic Nervous System:
- Regulates functions without conscious control. Includes sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
- Central Nervous System (CNS):
Neuron Structure
- The neuron is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system.
- Nerve cells are the largest cells in the body.
- Neurons are specialized cells that conduct nerve impulses.
- Parts of a neuron include:
- Dendrites: Branching extensions that receive nerve impulses.
- Cell body (Perikaryon/cyton): The main processing centre of the neuron.
- Axon: A single branch that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.
- Axon endings: Where impulses leave the neuron.
- Myelin sheath and neurilemma are coverings that surround the axon.
- Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath, crucial for impulse transmission.
Synapse
- A synapse is a small gap between two neurons.
- Impulses cross the synapse by converting from an electrical to a chemical signal.
- Acetylcholine is a common neurotransmitter that facilitates signal transition across the synapse.
- Synapses act like one-way valves, allowing signals to pass from one neuron to the next.
Types of Neurons
- Sensory neurons: Detect stimuli and send information to the brain.
- Motor neurons: Carry responses from the brain to the site of the stimulus.
- Interneurons (Association neurons): Connect sensory and motor neurons. They are the most abundant.
Nerves
- A nerve is a bundle of axons enclosed in a sheath.
- Axons within the bundle are separated by the myelin sheath to prevent impulse mixing.
- Different types of nerves exist depending on their function.
CNS: Brain
- The brain is the highest coordinating center in the body.
- It is located inside the skull.
- It is protected by the bony skull and three layers of tissue called meninges.
- Cerebrospinal fluid fills the spaces between the meninges, providing further protection.
- The brain is divided into different regions with specialized functions including:
- Forebrain (Cerebrum): Largest area; responsible for higher cognitive functions. Contains sensory areas to receive impulse from sense organs. Divided into four lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital), each with specific functions like personality, language, hearing, smell, and vision.
- Midbrain: Processes auditory and visual information.
- Hindbrain (Cerebellum, Pons, Medulla Oblongata): Regulates involuntary functions like balance, coordination, sleep, heart rate, swallowing, and breathing.
CNS: Spinal Cord
- The spinal cord is a tube-like structure running down the vertebral column.
- It extends from the medulla to the lower back.
- It's protected by the vertebral column and meninges.
- The spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and body. It controls involuntary actions like reflexes.
- It contains white and gray matter.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- The PNS is responsible for communication between the CNS and the rest of the body.
- It includes 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
Autonomic Nervous System
- The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions (heart rate, digestion, etc.).
- It has two main branches:
- Sympathetic: Activates the "fight-or-flight" response (accelerates heart rate).
- Parasympathetic: Regulates "rest-and-digest" responses (slows down heart rate).
Reflex Actions
- Reflexes are rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli.
- The nerve pathway involved in a reflex action is called a reflex arc.
- Reflex arcs typically involve sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.
- Reflexes allow us to react quickly to potentially harmful stimuli, helping us to survive.
Types of Reflexes
- Natural reflexes (e.g., blinking, coughing, sneezing) occur automatically.
- Conditioned reflexes (e.g., typing, playing an instrument) are acquired by learning and experience.
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Description
Explore the key components of the nervous system, including the Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, and Autonomic Nervous System. Understand the structure of neurons, their functions, and how they conduct nerve impulses. This quiz covers fundamental concepts essential for studying human biology.
