Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which cell is primarily responsible for transmitting signals in the nervous system?

Neuron (correct)

Myofiber

Osteoblast

Chondrocyte

What regulates involuntary activities within the nervous system?

Somatic nervous system

Voluntary nervous system

Autonomic nervous system (correct)

Cerebral cortex

Which type of neuron transmits signals away from the central nervous system?

Sensory neuron

Motor neuron (correct)

Efferent neuron

Interneuron

What is the term for a persistent fear of something?

Phobia Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is formed where two neurons connect?

Synapse Signup and view all the answers

Which type of matter is made up of myelinated axons?

White matter Signup and view all the answers

What is a disorder characterized by recurrent seizures?

Epilepsy Signup and view all the answers

What structures bring signals to the neuron cell body?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the nervous system controls voluntary movements?

Somatic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What are bundles of neuron fibers in the peripheral nervous system called?

Nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cerebellum within the brain?

Coordination and balance Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes afferent nerves?

They carry sensory signals toward the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the automatic, rapid response to a stimulus?

Reflex Signup and view all the answers

What does the autonomic nervous system primarily regulate?

Involuntary activities like heart rate and digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the chemical that transmits signals across a synapse?

Neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the absence of the brain?

Anencephaly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of cerebrospinal fluid?

Circulates for protection around the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nerve carries only motor signals?

Efferent nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of Alzheimer disease on brain function?

Leads to gradual loss of intellectual function Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic tool is used for recording brain electric activity?

Electroencephalography (EEG) Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?

Neuron Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for controlling involuntary activities in the body?

Autonomic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the junction between two neurons called?

Synapse Signup and view all the answers

What part of the brain is responsible for coordination and balance?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes carrying impulses toward the CNS?

Afferent Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron carries impulses away from the CNS?

Motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

What fatty substance insulates axons in the nervous system?

Myelin Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient with sudden weakness on one side and slurred speech?

Stroke Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is primarily affected by a stroke?

Central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex response is characterized by an involuntary action to a stimulus?

Reflex response Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System

The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all other nerves in the body.
The nervous system controls body functions by transmitting signals between different parts of the body.
The PNS is further divided into the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary activities.

The Neuron

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system, with a cell body, dendrites, and an axon.
Dendrites receive signals and transmit them to the cell body, while axons send signals away from the cell body.
Myelin is a fatty substance that covers some axons, aiding in faster signal transmission.
Myelinated axons form white matter, while unmyelinated axons form gray matter.
Sensory neurons transmit signals to the CNS, while motor neurons transmit signals away from the CNS.
A synapse is the junction between two neurons, where signals are passed using neurotransmitters.

Nerves

Nerves are bundles of neuron fibers in the PNS.
A ganglion is a collection of neuron cell bodies along a nerve pathway.
Some nerves are purely sensory or motor, while most are mixed nerves, carrying both types of signals.

Brain and Spinal Cord

The brain is responsible for higher-level functions such as memory, reasoning, sensory relay, hormone control, vital functions, coordination, and balance.
The spinal cord, extending from the brainstem to the lower back, connects to 31 pairs of nerves for sensory and motor control.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary activities, including muscle, cardiac muscle, and gland regulation.

Nervous System Terminology

Afferent: Carrying signals toward a given point, like sensory neurons towards CNS.
Efferent: Carrying signals away from a given point, like motor neurons away from CNS.
Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions, controlling muscles, cardiac muscle, and glands.
Central Nervous System: Composed of the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal Fluid: Watery fluid circulating around brain and spinal cord, providing protection.
Synapse: Junction between two neurons, or between a motor neuron and a muscle or gland.
Reflex: An automatic and rapid response to a stimulus.
Neurotransmitter: Chemical that transmits signals across a synapse, examples include norepinephrine and acetylcholine.

Amyloid: A starch-like substance accumulating in the brain during Alzheimer's and other diseases.
Coma: A state of deep unconsciousness from which a person cannot be roused.
Concussion: Injury resulting from a violent blow or shock, often causing temporary loss of consciousness.
Convulsion: Series of violent, involuntary muscle contractions, tonic convulsions involve prolonged muscle contraction.
Dementia: Gradual and irreversible loss of intellectual function.
Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain.
Epilepsy: A chronic condition characterized by periodic sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain, resulting in seizures.
Parkinsonism: Disorder stemming from the brain's basal ganglia, marked by slow movements, tremor, rigidity, and mask-like facial expressions.
Paralysis: Temporary or permanent loss of function, movement, or reflexes.
Alzheimer Disease: A form of dementia caused by atrophy of the cerebral cortex.
Tremor: Shaking or involuntary movement.
Anxiety: Feeling of fear, worry, uneasiness, or dread.
Schizophrenia: Severe mental disorder characterized by psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, and withdrawn or bizarre behavior.
Depression: Mental state characterized by profound sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and lack of interest or pleasure in activities.

Diagnostic and Treatment Terms

Electroencephalography (EEG): Amplification, recording, and interpretation of brain's electrical activity.
Cerebral Angiography: Radiographic study of brain's blood vessels after injection of a contrast medium.

Test Your Knowledge

1. What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system? (Neuron)
2. Which structure is responsible for controlling involuntary activities in the body? (Autonomic Nervous System)
3. What is the junction between two neurons called? (Synapse)
4. What part of the brain is responsible for coordination and balance? (Cerebellum

Matching Terms to Definitions

1. Synapse: (b) Junction between two neurons
2. Afferent: (e) Carrying impulses towards the CNS
3. Myelin: (d) Fatty substance that insulates axons
4. Reflex: (c) Involuntary response to a stimulus
5. Efferent: (a) Carrying impulses away from the CNS

Case Study

Most likely diagnosis: (b) Stroke
Primarily affected part of the nervous system: (c) Central Nervous System

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Description

Explore the structure and function of the nervous system in this quiz. Learn about the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the role of neurons and their components. Test your understanding of how signals are transmitted throughout the body.