Nervous System Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

To receive signals into the cell (correct)

To transmit signals away from the cell

To protect the neuron from damage

To generate action potentials

Which type of neuron is responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands?

Sensory neurons

Interneurons

Motor neurons (correct)

Glial cells

What is the voltage difference known as when a neuron is at rest?

-90 mV

-70 mV (correct)

0 mV

-40 mV

What is the primary role of the cerebellum?

Coordinating basic movements and balance Signup and view all the answers

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

Forming myelin sheaths in peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism primarily contributes to the resting potential of a neuron?

Sodium-potassium pump activity Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is released by parasympathetic nerves?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What function does the medulla oblongata serve?

Controls heart rate and breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of myelin sheaths in neurons?

To insulate axons and increase signal transmission speed Signup and view all the answers

What does the resting membrane potential of a neuron approximate?

-70 mV Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of interneurons in the central nervous system?

To process information and facilitate communication Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the firing of a neuron?

-50 Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the central nervous system do sensory nerves enter?

Dorsal side Signup and view all the answers

How does the hypothalamus contribute to homeostasis?

By monitoring hunger and thirst Signup and view all the answers

What happens when neurotransmitters are released from axon bulbs?

They excite or inhibit other cells Signup and view all the answers

Which ion channels open during the depolarization phase of an action potential?

Na+ gated channels Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the repolarization phase of an action potential?

K+ channels open Signup and view all the answers

What emotional functions are associated with the limbic system?

Managing strong emotions and short-term memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures controls movements of the digestive system?

Medulla oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump in the action potential process?

It restores the resting membrane potential. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the thalamus in sensory processing?

Relaying touch sensory input to the cortex Signup and view all the answers

How do excitatory and inhibitory signals affect a neuron's likelihood to fire?

A balance of both types determines firing. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after the threshold is crossed at -50 mV?

Depolarization occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does synaptic integration have on a neuron?

It sums excitatory and inhibitory signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of a concussion?

Severe headache Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about epilepsy is true?

It can be treated with anti-convulsants. Signup and view all the answers

What is a serious complication associated with meningitis?

Permanent brain damage Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes rabies infection?

Infection leads to hallucinations and seizures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a symptom of encephalitis?

Difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of myelin sheaths on neurons?

To allow for faster transmission of action potentials. Signup and view all the answers

How does the nervous system respond to received sensory data?

It processes the information and forms an action plan. Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary motor control?

Somatic subdivision of the PNS Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sympathetic nerves?

To prepare the body for 'fight or flight' responses. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the action potential in neurons?

It is a self-propagating and all-or-none phenomenon. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitters are released by sympathetic nerves?

Epinephrine and norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of motor neurons?

To execute action plans by stimulating muscles or glands. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do autonomic motor neurons differ from somatic motor neurons?

They stimulate smooth muscles and glands involuntarily. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the limbic system play in memory?

It is involved in short-term memory and transferring it to long-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the cerebral cortex is responsible for voluntary movement and decision making?

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What disease is characterized by amyloid plaques affecting the frontal lobe and limbic systems?

Alzheimer's disease Signup and view all the answers

Which area is primarily responsible for generating speech?

Broca’s area 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

How does the primary sensory cortex relate to touch sensitivity?

More sensory neurons indicate more brain area is devoted to receiving information. Signup and view all the answers

Which area is involved in interpreting music similarly to words?

Auditory cortex Signup and view all the answers

What happens to motor neurons in areas with fine motor control?

More motor neurons indicate a larger brain area allocated for movement. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of a concussion?

Blurred vision Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is typically treated with anti-convulsants?

Epilepsy Signup and view all the answers

What severe outcome can result from meningitis?

Permanent brain damage Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with rabies as the disease progresses?

Hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by inflammation of the brain due to a viral infection?

Encephalitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of myelin sheaths in neurons?

To increase the electrical signal transmission speed Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are responsible for generating myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system?

Schwann cells Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism aids in maintaining the resting potential of a neuron?

Sodium-potassium pump Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron primarily processes information in the central nervous system?

Interneurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?

To receive signals from other neurons Signup and view all the answers

How do myelin sheaths affect the speed of electrical signal transmission?

They significantly increase the speed of transmission Signup and view all the answers

What happens to axons in the peripheral nervous system after injury?

They regenerate with the help of myelin sheaths Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold voltage that must be exceeded for a neuron to fire an action potential?

-50 mV Signup and view all the answers

During depolarization of an action potential, which ion channels open?

Sodium gated channels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome when a receiving neuron has more excitatory signals than inhibitory signals?

The neuron fires an action potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step of the action potential process that helps restore the resting potential?

Sodium-potassium pump activity Signup and view all the answers

Which channels open to cause hyperpolarization when neurotransmitters bind to the receiving neuron?

Potassium gated channels Signup and view all the answers

What occurs immediately after the sodium gated channels close during an action potential?

Repolarization begins Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical voltage state of a resting neuron?

-70 mV Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the myelin sheath in neurons?

To speed up the transmission of action potentials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the autonomic nervous system?

It regulates involuntary functions and maintains homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the action potential in a neuron?

The membrane potential reaches a critical threshold Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of sensory neurons in the nervous system?

To transmit sensory data to the CNS for processing Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the 'fight or flight' response initiated by the sympathetic nervous system?

Enhanced physical readiness and elevated heart rate Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles?

Somatic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

How does the autonomic nervous system maintain homeostasis?

By balancing automatic functions like heart rate and breathing Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the threshold for neuron firing is exceeded?

An action potential is triggered and propagates along the neuron Signup and view all the answers

What role does the medulla oblongata play in the central nervous system?

It monitors oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Signup and view all the answers

Which function is primarily associated with the limbic system?

Involvement in emotions and short-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord is responsible for the entry and exit of sensory and motor nerves?

Dorsal side for sensory nerves, ventral side for motor nerves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cerebellum in the hindbrain?

To coordinate basic movements and maintain posture. Signup and view all the answers

How does the thalamus contribute to sensory processing?

It relays touch sensory input and processes some outgoing motor signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of the parasympathetic nervous system activated by motor neurons?

Lower blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What key function does the hypothalamus serve in the brain?

It regulates hormone secretions of the pituitary gland. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a person under the influence of alcohol have difficulty walking?

The cerebellum, which coordinates movement and balance, is affected. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the temporal lobe play in sensory processing?

It interprets auditory input and smell information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is most effective for transferring information from short-term to long-term memory?

Saying the information out loud. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain region is most directly associated with generating movement in specific parts of the body?

Primary motor cortex. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease related to brain function?

Progressive memory loss. Signup and view all the answers

How does the parietal lobe contribute to sensory processing?

It receives and interprets information related to touch and taste. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the brain as Alzheimer's disease progresses?

Formation of amyloid plaques and neuronal tangles. Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is specifically involved in seeing words?

Primary visual cortex. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of areas in the brain with fine motor control?

They have more dense sensory neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System

The nervous system is comprised of 90% neuroglial cells
These cells support and protect neurons, maintaining ion balance
Schwann cells make up the myelin sheaths of the peripheral nervous system
Oligodendrocytes make up the myelin sheaths of the central nervous system
Myelin sheaths increase electrical signal transmission speed (120m/sec vs 2.3m/sec)
They help damaged axons regenerate in the peripheral nervous system

Neurons

Dendrites receive signals into the cell body
The cell body contains the nucleus and organelles
Axons transmit signals away from the cell body
Axon bulbs contain neurotransmitters and release them to stimulate or inhibit other cells (neurons, muscles, or glands)
Acetylcholine is an example of a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle
Myelin sheaths are produced by fatty neuroglial cells
Myelin increases electrical signal transmission speed

Action Potentials

A threshold of -50mV is needed for an action potential
If the membrane potential reaches or exceeds this threshold, a neuron experiences an action potential (fires)
Depolarization occurs when gated Na+ channels open and Na+ moves into the axon (+30mV)
Repolarization occurs when K+ channels open (in response to voltage change), potassium moves out of the axon (resting potential)
Reestablishment of the resting potential (-70mV) occurs by sodium-potassium pump

Synaptic Integration

Neurons receive stimulatory or inhibitory signals from other neurons
Neurotransmitters cause Na+ or K+ gated protein channels to open
Na+ channels lead to depolarization, a stimulatory signal
K+ channels lead to hyperpolarization, an inhibitory signal
The sum of excitatory and inhibitory input determines the response of the neurotransmitter
A receiving neuron fires if the input sum exceeds a certain threshold
A higher frequency of stimulatory signals increases likelihood of firing

Types of Neurons

Sensory neurons transmit information to the central nervous system.
Interneurons process information in the central nervous system
Motor neurons receive information from interneurons and transmit to muscles or glands.

Divisions of the Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): nerves outside the CNS
- Sensory nerves carry information toward the CNS
- Motor nerves carry information away from the CNS -Somatic division stimulates skeletal muscles -Autonomic division stimulates smooth muscles and glands
  - Sympathetic nerves relate to the "fight or flight" response, releasing epinephrine/norepinephrine.
  - Parasympathetic nerves associate with relaxation and normal body functions, releasing acetylcholine.

Brain: Hindbrain

Medulla oblongata (brain stem) monitors hydrogen ion (= carbon dioxide) and oxygen in the blood, and controls heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and movements of the digestive system
Controls basic reflexes, like coughing, sneezing, and swallowing.
Connects the spinal cord to the rest of the brain

Brain: Cerebellum

Coordinates basic movements and balance.
Maintains posture.
Responsible for learned motor programs that become automatic (e.g., juggling, riding, walking).

Brain: Forebrain

Hypothalamus regulates secretions of the pituitary gland, works with homeostasis by monitoring body temperature, hunger, thirst, and blood solute concentration; important for sex drive.
Limbic system deals with strong emotions and instincts (love, fear, rage, sorrow) linked to basic desires like hunger, thirst, and sex.
Thalamus relays touch sensory input, and processes some outgoing motor signals.

Brain: Cerebral Cortex

Four primary regions:
- Frontal lobe: voluntary movement , speech, planning, decision-making, abstract thought, personality traits, and long-term memory
- Parietal lobe: primary somatosensory region for skin sensory information, touch, and taste.
- Occipital lobe: primary visual cortex for visual input and interpretation.
- Temporal lobe: primary auditory cortex for auditory input and interpretation, smell, and comprehension.

Nervous System Disorders

Concussion: Impacts disrupt brain's normal electrical activity which may cause blurred vision, headaches, balance problems and short-term memory loss, and loss of consciousness.
Epilepsy: abnormal electrical activity can cause seizures
Infections:
- Encephalitis (inflammation of brain): results in fever, headaches, seizures, confusion, behavior changes, and possible coma or death, usually due to viral infections.
- Meningitis (inflammation of tissues surrounding brain): high fever, headache, painful stiff neck, confusion, and possible permanent brain damage or death, usually due to viral or bacterial infections.
- Rabies virus: infects neurons, travels to the brain, causing hallucinations, seizures, coma, and eventually death, transmitted from mammal bites. (no cure once symptoms appear).
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease that affects the frontal lobe and limbic systems. It involves protein amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, progressively causing memory loss, irritability, personality changes, and inability to care for oneself.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the nervous system, including the roles of neuroglial cells and neurons. This quiz covers myelin sheaths, action potentials, and neurotransmitters, helping you reinforce your understanding of this complex biological system.