Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the two main components that make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Brain and spinal cord

What is the role of Ependymal cells in the nervous system?

They help move cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) throughout the brain and spinal cord.

What is the function of Astrocytes in the nervous system?

They form the blood-brain barrier.

What is the role of Microglia cells in the nervous system?

They act like cleaners by removing germs and dead cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Oligodendrocytes in the nervous system?

They produce myelin in the CNS to insulate neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Schwann cells perform the same function as Oligodendrocytes, but where are Schwann cells found?

In the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). Signup and view all the answers

What is the space between two neurons called?

Synaptic cleft Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in Na and K concentrations in a polarized neuron?

Sodium is higher outside the neuron, potassium is higher inside. Signup and view all the answers

What chemical is released from the axon terminal to send a signal to the next neuron?

Neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brainstem acts as a bridge to help transmit signals between the brain and the spinal cord?

Pons Signup and view all the answers

What part of the brainstem controls essential life functions such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion?

Medulla oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Midbrain in the nervous system?

The Midbrain is involved with processing information related to vision, hearing, and sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What structure connects the left and right sides of the brain, allowing them to communicate with each other?

Corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

What part of the brainstem is crucial for controlling basic functions like breathing and could stop those functions without it?

Medulla oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What is the tissue structure responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Choroid plexus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Cushions the brain and spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

What lobe of the brain is responsible for processing sound and speech?

Temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What lobe of the brain is responsible for processing touch, pain, and temperature?

Parietal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

Occipital lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Myelin sheath?

It speeds up nerve signals and helps to repair damage after injury. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Myelin sheath found in the nervous system?

It is found both in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Signup and view all the answers

What are the gaps in the Myelin sheath called?

Nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

Why do the signals "jump" across the Nodes of Ranvier?

The signals jump across the Nodes of Ranvier to speed up the signal transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron carries information to the CNS from the rest of the body?

Sensory neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron connects neurons within the CNS?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron carries commands from the CNS to the muscles?

Motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the cell body of a neuron?

It acts as the control center of the neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Dendrites of a neuron?

They are responsible for receiving signals from other neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Axon of a neuron?

It transmits signals from the neuron to the next neuron or to muscle fibers. Signup and view all the answers

What specifically are the Synaptic terminals responsible for releasing that allow the neuron to communicate with the next neuron?

Neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest part of the brain responsible for higher-level functions like movement, thinking, and sensory perception?

Cerebrum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Hypothalamus in the brain?

It regulates homeostasis, maintaining a balance in things such as body temperature and hunger. Signup and view all the answers

The nervous system is divided into two main systems. One system is responsible for controlling voluntary actions, while the other system controls involuntary actions. What are these two systems called?

Somatic and Autonomic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

The Sympathetic Nervous System and the Parasympathetic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is known as the "fight or flight" system, preparing the body for immediate action?

Sympathetic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is known as the "rest and digest" system, promoting relaxation and recovery?

Parasympathetic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main types of sensory receptors?

Photoreceptors, Chemoreceptors, Mechanoreceptors, and Nociceptors. Signup and view all the answers

What do Photoreceptors detect?

Light Signup and view all the answers

What do Nociceptors detect?

Pain Signup and view all the answers

Describe how sensory receptors are categorized.

Sensory receptors are grouped and categorized based on the type of stimuli they detect. Signup and view all the answers

When a sensory receptor is stimulated, what kind of chemical is released?

Neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What part of the ear is responsible for detecting sound?

Cochlea Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Basilar membrane inside the cochlea?

It vibrates in response to sound waves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Tectorial membrane in the cochlea?

It moves hair cells to generate signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the hair cells, located within the cochlea?

They convert sound waves into electrical signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Semicircular canals in the ear?

They detect balance and movement. Signup and view all the answers

What nerve carries the information about sound and balance from the semicircular canals and cochlea to the brain?

Vestibulocochlear nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Tympanic membrane in the middle ear?

It vibrates with sound waves. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three bones located in the middle ear that are responsible for transmitting sound waves, starting with the first bone that is attached to the tympanic membrane?

Malleus, Incus, and Stapes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Eustachian tube located within the middle ear?

It equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of these structures: Pinna and Auditory Canal?

The Pinna collects sound waves, and the Auditory Canal directs those sound waves into the ear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of structures that sound vibrations travel through from the outer ear to the inner ear?

Outer ear, Tympanic membrane, Malleus, Incus, Stapes, Oval window, Cochlea, Hair cells. Signup and view all the answers

Where in the ear are the hair cells located?

Hair cells are located within the cochlea. Signup and view all the answers

What can damage the hair cells within the ear?

Loud noises can damage the hair cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Oval window in the ear?

The Oval window transmits sound waves into the cochlea. Signup and view all the answers

Where in the ear are the saccule and utricle located?

They are located within the vestibule of the inner ear, where they are responsible for detecting changes in head position. Signup and view all the answers

What part of the ear is responsible for detecting head movement?

Semicircular canals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main structures that protect the eye, with the outer layer providing a tough protective covering and the inner layer helping to focus light?

The Sclera and the Cornea. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Aqueous humor located within the eye?

It provides nutrients to the cornea and lens. Signup and view all the answers

What four structures make up the Choroid?

The Choroid, Iris, Pupil, and Lens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Choroid?

It supplies blood and nutrients to the eye. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Pupil?

It is the opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Optic disc located within the eye?

It is the point where the optic nerve leaves the eye. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Cones in the retina?

They are responsible for detecting color, and they work best in bright light. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the sequence of how light travels through the eye to reach the Retina.

Light travels through the Cornea, the Aqueous humor, the Lens, the Vitreous humor, before finally reaching the Retina, where photoreceptor cells convert light energy into electrical signals. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when light hits a photopigment?

The photopigment changes shape, triggering a series of events that lead to the generation of electrical signals in the photoreceptor cell, which are sent to the brain for interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition called when the lens of the eye loses flexibility with age, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects?

Presbyopia Signup and view all the answers

What condition makes it difficult to see far objects, often due to the eye being too long?

Nearsightedness or Myopia. Signup and view all the answers

What condition makes it difficult to see close objects, often due to the eye being too short?

Farsightedness or Hyperopia. Signup and view all the answers

What type of taste receptor responds to glutamate?

Umami Receptor Signup and view all the answers

How are odor molecules detected by the nose?

Odor molecules bind to receptors within the nose. This binding triggers a series of events that lead to the generation of electrical signals that are sent to the brain for interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of taste that taste buds detect?

Taste buds are responsible for detecting sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami tastes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four main organs of the urinary system and their respective functions?

The four main organs of the urinary system are the Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder, and Urethra Signup and view all the answers

What is the end product of the kidney filtration process?

Urine. Signup and view all the answers

What structures transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder?

Ureters Signup and view all the answers

What organ is responsible for converting ammonia into urea?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional unit of the kidney?

Nephron Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the urinary bladder?

The urinary bladder serves as a reservoir for urine, storing it until it is expelled from the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Ureters?

They transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Signup and view all the answers

How does Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) assist the urinary system?

ADH helps to regulate the amount of water in the body by increasing the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, thereby reducing urine production. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord.
The brain processes information and provides instructions.
The spinal cord acts as a pathway for messages between the brain and the body.
Ependymal cells move cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to maintain its consistency and cleanliness.
CSF protects the brain and removes waste products.
Astrocytes form the blood-brain barrier to prevent harmful substances in the blood from entering the brain.
Microglia act as the brain's immune system by cleaning up germs and dead cells.
Oligodendrocytes create myelin in the central nervous system (CNS) to insulate neurons and speed up electrical signals.
Schwann cells perform the same function as oligodendrocytes but within the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The synaptic cleft is the space between neurons.
Neurotransmitters allow signals to pass from one neuron to the next across the synaptic cleft.
In a polarized neuron, sodium is higher outside, and potassium is higher inside, creating a charge that allows signals to be transmitted.
Neurotransmitters are released at the axon terminal.

Brain Stem

The pons connects the brain and spinal cord for communication.
The medulla oblongata controls heart rate, breathing, and digestion.
The midbrain is responsible for vision, hearing, and sleep reflexes.
The corpus callosum connects the brain's left and right hemispheres.
The medulla oblongata controls vital life-sustaining functions like breathing.
The choroid plexus produces CSF (cerebrospinal fluid).
CSF acts as a shock absorber and delivers essential chemicals to the brain.

Neurons

Sensory neurons carry information to the central nervous system (CNS).
Interneurons connect neurons within the CNS.
Motor neurons carry instructions from the CNS to muscles.
The cell body is the control center of a neuron.
Dendrites receive signals from other neurons.
Axons send signals to other neurons or muscles.
Synaptic terminals release neurotransmitters to transmit signals.
The cerebrum controls movement, thinking, and senses.
The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis (balance), regulating things like temperature and hunger.
The nervous system has somatic (voluntary) and autonomic (involuntary) divisions.
Autonomic divisions include the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) systems.

Organs of Sense

Photoreceptors detect light; chemoreceptors detect chemicals; mechanoreceptors detect pressure and vibration; nociceptors detect pain.
Sensory receptors are grouped based on the type of stimulus they detect.

Ear Structure and Function

The cochlea detects sound.
The basilar membrane vibrates with sound.
The tectorial membrane moves hair cells for hearing.
Hair cells convert vibration into nerve signals.
The semicircular canals detect balance and movement.
The vestibulocochlear nerve carries sound and balance information to the brain.
The tympanic membrane (eardrum) vibrates with sound.
The malleus, incus, and stapes transmit vibrations.
The eustachian tube equalizes ear pressure.
The pinna (auricle) collects sound waves.
The auditory canal directs sound to the eardrum.

Eye Structure and Function

The sclera and cornea protect the eye and help focus light.
The aqueous humor provides nutrients to the cornea and lens.
The choroid supplies blood to the eye.
The iris controls pupil size.
The pupil lets light into the eye.
The lens focuses light onto the retina.
The vitreous humor maintains eye shape.
The retina detects light; the fovea provides sharp vision; the optic disc is the blind spot.
The cones detect color, and the rods detect dim light.

Smell and Taste

Odor molecules bind to receptors in the nasal cavity for olfaction.
Taste buds contain receptor cells that detect sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami tastes.
Umami receptors detect glutamate.

Urinary System

Kidneys filter blood to produce urine.
Ureters transport urine to the bladder.
The bladder stores urine.
The urethra excretes urine.
The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney.
The liver converts ammonia into urea.
The renal pelvis is the kidney basin.
The cortex and medulla are the kidney regions.
Renal pyramids are triangular regions of the kidney.
ADH conserves water in the kidneys.

Reproductive System

Male reproductive organs include testes, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, prostate, epididymis, vas deferens, scrotum, and seminiferous tubules.
Female reproductive organs include ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
Sperm is produced in the seminiferous tubules.
Testosterone is a hormone for male traits.
FSH and LH stimulate sperm and egg production.
Spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa are the stages of spermatogenesis.
Estrogen is a feminizing hormone.
Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy.
LH triggers ovulation and FSH stimulates follicles.
Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes.

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Description

Explore the components and functions of the nervous system, including the central nervous system and its key cells. Understand how the brain, spinal cord, and various glial cells work together to process information and maintain homeostasis within the body. Test your knowledge on neurotransmitters and the structure of neurons.