Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

To produce hormones and enzymes

To eliminate waste from the body

To provide structural support to organs

To monitor changes and generate responses (correct)

Which statement correctly describes the role of the CNS?

It is mainly responsible for voluntary muscle contractions

It integrates information and initiates responses (correct)

It only processes sensory information from the external environment

It solely transmits signals from the body to the brain

How does the PNS contribute to the functioning of the nervous system?

It processes all sensory information independently

It relays information to and from the CNS (correct)

It is exclusively concerned with voluntary muscle control

It generates motor output without CNS involvement

Which of the following correctly distinguishes the somatic nervous system?

It innervates voluntary muscles and transmits sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) primarily serve?

It innervates visceral effectors like smooth muscle and glands Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ANS considered to have both involuntary and voluntary aspects?

It can be consciously regulated despite its primary involuntary role Signup and view all the answers

Which description best characterizes a major difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS?

Sympathetic division primes the body for active responses, while parasympathetic conserves energy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT part of the Central Nervous System?

Cranial nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system?

Mediates responses to threats Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell in the nervous system is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses?

Neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Supporting neurons and transferring nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron carries impulses away from the central nervous system to effectors?

Motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell type is responsible for producing myelin in the central nervous system?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a neuron is responsible for transmitting impulses toward the cell body?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?

Form myelin sheath around neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes interneurons?

Integrate sensory and motor functions Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are known to react to cellular debris in the central nervous system?

Microglia Signup and view all the answers

What role does the neurolemma play in neurons?

Key in nerve regeneration Signup and view all the answers

What do both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems do together?

Balance body functions to maintain homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type lines the fluid-filled cavities of the central nervous system?

Ependymal cells Signup and view all the answers

Which neurons receive input from receptors in skin, skeletal muscle, and joints?

Somatic sensory neurons Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Function

Monitors changes from inside/outside the body via stimuli and sensory input
Interprets and prioritizes sensory input, making decisions (integration)
Generates a response, activating mechanisms like motor output, organ function, and hormone release
Contains some of the longest cells in the body

Nervous System Divisions

Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain (cranium) and spinal cord (vertebral canal)
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Contains cranial nerves (originating from the brain) and spinal nerves (originating from the spinal cord)
The PNS relays information to and from the CNS; the brain receives the information, integrates it, and initiates a response

Somatic vs. Autonomic

Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Innervates somatic effectors (voluntary muscles)
Sensory division transmits sensory info from somatic effectors, which is integrated in the somatomotor centre of the CNS and results in actions.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Innervates autonomic effectors (smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands). Involuntary responses, initiated in response to visceral sensory information integrated in the CNS, often are influenced by conscious thought.
Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS: differences are more complex than one merely speeding up and the other slowing down; Sympathetic division often involves a "fight or flight" response, while the parasympathetic division is more involved in "rest or digest" activities.

Cells of the Nervous System

Neurons: Excitable cells responsible for nerve impulse transmission.
Neuroglia (glia): Supporting cells vital to nervous tissue. There are many types:
- Astrocytes: Major type, star-shaped, transfer nutrients to neurons and are involved with the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB).
- Microglia: React to cellular debris/foreign invaders.
- Ependymal Cells: Form the lining of fluid filled cavities and help circulate CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid).
- Oligodendrocytes: Help hold nerve fibers together, and produce myelin sheath in CNS
- Schwann cells: Produce myelin sheath within the PNS

Typical Neuron Structure

Cell Body: Contains nucleus and organelles.
Dendrites: Receive signals towards the cell body.
Axon: Conducts signals away from the cell body.
Myelin Sheath: Insulative barrier (Schwann cells in PNS, oligodendrocytes in CNS) that prevents electrical short-circuits
Neurolemma: Covering surrounding the myelin sheath; found in the PNS and is vital in nerve regeneration

Classification of Neurons

Sensory (afferent): Carry signals from sensors/receptors to the CNS.
Motor (efferent): Carry impulses from the CNS to effectors (muscles/glands).
Interneurons: Found within the CNS and integrate sensory and motor functions.

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Description

Explore the fundamental functions and divisions of the nervous system in this quiz. Understand the roles of the Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System, as well as the differences between the somatic and autonomic systems. Test your knowledge on how sensory input is processed and responses are generated.