Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

To facilitate neuroplasticity

To protect neuron cell bodies

To generate electrical impulses

To produce the myelin sheath (correct)

Which type of cell divides and is commonly associated with brain tumors?

Oligodendrocytes

Neuroglia (correct)

Neurons

Axons

What role do dendrites play in the functioning of neurons?

They provide structural support to neurons

They generate new neurons within the nervous system

They pick up information and conduct impulses toward the cell body (correct)

They transmit electrical impulses away from the cell body

What is the main purpose of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system?

To form the myelin sheath Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for transmitting impulses to other cells?

Axon Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of the nervous system?

Gathering information Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is mainly responsible for processing and interpreting sensory input?

Brain Signup and view all the answers

What type of nerve fibers are involved in carrying impulses away from the central nervous system?

Efferent fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following supports and protects neurons in the central nervous system?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for voluntary actions?

Somatic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells in the central nervous system are involved in immune defense and debris disposal?

Microglia Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles of ependymal cells in the central nervous system?

To create and circulate cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects and relays nerve impulses to the brain?

Spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of axonal terminals in neurons?

To contain vesicles with neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes neurons in relation to cell division?

They are amitotic and do not divide Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when an action potential depolarizes the membrane at the synaptic terminal?

It opens voltage-gated calcium channels Signup and view all the answers

Why do neurons require a high supply of glucose and oxygen?

To support their high metabolic rate Signup and view all the answers

What fills the synaptic cleft?

Extracellular fluid Signup and view all the answers

What type of ion channels open in the postsynaptic membrane in response to neurotransmitter binding?

Ligand-gated ion channels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of synaptic vesicles in axonal terminals?

To release neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

Which ion enters the presynaptic cell to trigger the release of neurotransmitters?

Calcium (Ca++) Signup and view all the answers

What is a synapse?

The junction between two neurons Signup and view all the answers

What role do neurotransmitters play in the nervous system?

They facilitate communication between neurons Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Function

The nervous system monitors internal and external body changes
It processes and interprets sensory information to determine if a response is needed
The nervous system activates muscles, glands, and other body parts in response to stimuli

Nervous System Organization

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is composed of nerves outside of the CNS
The PNS relays information to and from the CNS

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain is the main control center
The spinal cord connects and relays nerve impulses to the brain

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The sensory (afferent) division carries information to the CNS
The motor (efferent) division carries impulses away from the CNS to muscles and glands
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary actions
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions

Nervous Tissue: Support Cells (Neuroglia) in the CNS

Astrocytes are abundant, star-shaped cells that brace neurons
Astrocytes form a barrier between capillaries and neurons
Astrocytes control the chemical environment of the brain
Microglia act as spider-like phagocytes to defend the CNS
Microglia dispose of cellular debris
Ependymal cells line cavities of the brain and spinal cord
Ependymal cells create, secrete, and circulate cerebrospinal fluid
Oligodendrocytes produce the myelin sheath, which insulates neurons

Nervous Tissue: Support Cells (Neuroglia) in the PNS

Satellite cells protect and support neuron cell bodies
Schwann cells form the myelin sheath in the PNS

Nervous Tissue: Neurons

Neurons are highly specialized cells that transmit information
Neurons are amitotic (they do not divide)
Neurons have a high metabolic rate and require a constant supply of glucose and oxygen
Neurons consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon

Neuron Structure

The cell body is the metabolic center of the neuron
Dendrites receive information and conduct impulses towards the cell body
The axon transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body

Axons and Nerve Impulses

Axons end in axonal terminals
Axonal terminals contain vesicles with neurotransmitters
Axonal terminals are separated from the next neuron by a synaptic cleft
The junction between nerves is called a synapse

Neurotransmitter Release

The arrival of an action potential depolarizes the membrane of the synaptic terminal
This depolarization opens voltage-gated calcium channels
Calcium influx triggers the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles
Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft
Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, initiating a new signal in the next neuron

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Description

Explore the structure and function of the nervous system. This quiz covers the roles of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the brain, spinal cord, and the types of nerves involved in sensory and motor functions. Test your understanding of how the nervous system responds to stimuli and regulates body functions.