Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What part of the brain connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord?

Cerebrum

Cerebellum

Spinal cord

Brainstem (correct)

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

Integration of cognitive functions

Transmission of sensory information

Regulation of heart rate and digestion (correct)

Control of voluntary movements

What is the main difference between the central and peripheral nervous systems?

The CNS is responsible for muscle movements, while the PNS regulates sensory functions

The CNS is responsible for integrating information, while the PNS transmits information

The CNS is responsible for regulating bodily functions, while the PNS controls thought and emotion

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of nerves (correct)

What is the function of the dendrites in a neuron?

Receive signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the spinal cord?

Transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Coordinates muscle movements and balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the axon in a neuron?

Transmits signals away from the cell body Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the somatic nervous system?

Controls voluntary movements Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the eye changes shape to focus light?

Lens Signup and view all the answers

What type of sensory receptors detect light?

Photoreceptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

To transmit signals from sensory receptors to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

To integrate and interpret sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hormones in the endocrine system?

To regulate various bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of negative feedback mechanisms in hormone regulation?

To maintain homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

Which gland regulates growth and development?

Pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the retina in the eye?

To convert light into electrical signals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Protected by the blood-brain barrier, a specialized barrier that separates the CNS from the bloodstream
Functions:
- Integrates and processes information
- Interprets and responds to sensory input
- Controls voluntary movements
- Regulates various bodily functions (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure)

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body
Divided into:
- Somatic Nervous System (SNS): controls voluntary movements
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): controls involuntary functions (e.g. heart rate, digestion)
Functions:
- Transmits information between the CNS and the rest of the body
- Controls muscle movements and sensory functions

Brain

Divided into:
- Cerebrum: largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions (e.g. thought, emotion, movement)
- Cerebellum: coordinates muscle movements and balance
- Brainstem: connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, regulates basic functions (e.g. breathing, heart rate)
Functions:
- Controls higher-level functions (e.g. thought, emotion, movement)
- Regulates bodily functions (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure)

Spinal Cord

Extends from the base of the brain down to the lower back
Functions:
- Transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body
- Controls reflexes and automatic functions (e.g. withdrawal from pain)

Nerve Cells (Neurons)

Basic units of the nervous system
Consist of:
- Dendrites: receive signals
- Cell body: contains the nucleus and maintains the cell
- Axon: transmits signals away from the cell body
Functions:
- Transmit and process information
- Allow for communication between different parts of the nervous system

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord
Protected by the blood-brain barrier
Integrates and processes information
Interprets and responds to sensory input
Controls voluntary movements
Regulates various bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of nerves connecting the CNS to the rest of the body
Divided into Somatic Nervous System (SNS) and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
SNS controls voluntary movements
ANS controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion
Transmits information between the CNS and the rest of the body
Controls muscle movements and sensory functions

Brain Structure

Divided into cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem
Cerebrum: responsible for higher-level functions, such as thought, emotion, and movement
Cerebellum: coordinates muscle movements and balance
Brainstem: connects the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, regulates basic functions, such as breathing and heart rate

Spinal Cord

Extends from the base of the brain down to the lower back
Transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body
Controls reflexes and automatic functions, such as withdrawal from pain

Nerve Cells (Neurons)

Basic units of the nervous system
Comprise dendrites, cell body, and axon
Dendrites: receive signals
Cell body: contains the nucleus and maintains the cell
Axon: transmits signals away from the cell body
Transmit and process information
Allow for communication between different parts of the nervous system

Optics and Vision

The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye.
The iris is the colored part that regulates the amount of light entering the eye.
The lens changes shape to focus light on the retina.
The retina contains light-sensitive cells called photoreceptors.
Light refraction occurs at the cornea and lens, focusing on the retina.
Photoreceptors in the retina convert light into electrical signals.
These signals are transmitted to the optic nerve and interpreted by the brain as visual information.

Sensory Receptors

Mechanoreceptors detect pressure, vibration, and stretch.
Thermoreceptors detect temperature changes.
Nociceptors detect painful stimuli.
Photoreceptors detect light and enable vision.
Chemoreceptors detect chemicals and enable taste and smell.
Sensory receptors convert environmental stimuli into electrical signals.
These signals are transmitted to the CNS for interpretation.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The PNS consists of the somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements.
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion.
The PNS transmits signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.
It also transmits motor signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
The CNS integrates and interprets sensory information.
It controls voluntary movements and regulates involuntary functions.
The CNS receives and processes information from sensory receptors.
It also sends signals to muscles and glands to respond to stimuli.

Hormone Regulation

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands.
Hormones regulate various bodily functions, such as growth and development.
Negative feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis by regulating hormone levels.
Hormone levels increase or decrease in response to changes in target cells.

Endocrine System

The pituitary gland regulates growth and development.
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism.
The adrenal glands regulate the stress response.
The pancreas regulates blood sugar levels.
The endocrine system regulates growth and development.
It maintains homeostasis and responds to stress and environmental changes.
Hormones secreted by endocrine glands travel through the bloodstream to reach target cells.