Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of neurons in the nervous system?

Provide structural support

Transmit electrical signals (correct)

Insulate nerve fibers

Regenerate after injury

What role do neuroglia or glial cells play in the nervous system?

They provide oxygen and insulation (correct)

They store neurotransmitters

They form the myelin sheath only

They transmit nerve impulses

What structure forms the myelin sheath around axons?

Schwann cells (correct)

Neurotransmitters

Cell bodies

Dendrites

What function do dendrites serve in a neuron?

Receive information from other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the nodes of Ranvier?

They speed up nerve impulse transmission Signup and view all the answers

What structure in a neuron contains the nucleus and organelles?

Cell body Signup and view all the answers

What is the main composition of the myelin sheath?

Fatty proteins Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the axon terminal of a neuron?

Neurotransmitters are released Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

To communicate through electrical and chemical signals Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

How is the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) primarily classified?

Into autonomic and somatic nervous systems Signup and view all the answers

What role do afferent nerves play in the nervous system?

They send information from the body to the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the autonomic nervous system?

It controls involuntary bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'efferent' refer to in the context of the nervous system?

Nerves that conduct information outward from the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the PNS is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?

Sympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Photoreceptors are specialized neurons that primarily respond to which type of stimulus?

Light Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is the nervous system?

It is a complex network of cells that transmit information throughout the body.
The communication happens via electrical and chemical signals.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Made up of the brain and spinal cord.
Processes and integrates sensory information.
Initiates and controls motor functions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All parts of the nervous system that are not part of the CNS.
Relays information between the body and the CNS.
Contains the Autonomic and the Somatic nervous systems.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary bodily functions (breathing, heart rate, digestion)
Broken down further into Sympathetic and Parasympathetic branches.
Sympathetic nervous system: responsible for the "fight or flight" response.
Parasympathetic nervous system: responsible for the "rest and digest" response.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements.
Broken down further into Sensory and Motor neurons.
Sensory neurons carry information from the body to the CNS.
Motor neurons carry information from the CNS to the body.

Nervous Tissue

Comprised of neurons and neuroglia (glia).

Neurons

The main cells of the nervous system for communication.
Excitable and transmit electrical signals.
Consist of a cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon.

Neuroglia (Glia)

Supporting cells of the nervous system.
Provide neurons with oxygen, insulation, and protection.
Examples are Schwann cells and astrocytes.

Neuron anatomy

Soma: Contains the nucleus and organelles for cell maintenance.
Dendrites: Receive information from connecting neurons.
Axon: Also called nerve fiber, where the nerve impulse is generated and transmitted.
Myelin Sheath: Made of fatty protein and acts as an insulator preventing loss of charged ions.
Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps between sections of the myelin sheath that allow information to jump from section to section, speeding up transmission.

Efferent and Afferent

Efferent neurons carry information away from the CNS.
Afferent neurons carry information towards the CNS.

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Description

Explore the intricate structure and function of the nervous system, including its two main divisions: the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). Delve into the roles of the Autonomic and Somatic nervous systems and understand how they impact bodily functions and responses.