Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of efferent pathways in the nervous system?

They convey messages to and from the body.

They transmit sensory information to the brain.

They produce muscle action. (correct)

They regulate automatic bodily functions.

What role does the autonomic nervous system play in the body?

It coordinates muscle actions for balance.

It is responsible for sensory processing.

It controls voluntary movements.

It regulates involuntary, automatic body functions. (correct)

Which functional division of the peripheral nervous system involves both sensory and motor functions?

Somatic nervous system (correct)

Autonomic nervous system

Parasympathetic nervous system

Sympathetic nervous system

Which of the following is NOT considered a disorder of the nervous system?

Cirrhosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of the sympathetic nervous system during a 'fight or flight' response?

Mobilizes and expends energy rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is primarily responsible for regulating the endocrine system's activities?

Pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

Adrenal glands respond to emergencies primarily by releasing which type of substances?

Hormones Signup and view all the answers

The parasympathetic nervous system is mainly responsible for which of the following?

Restoring equilibrium and calming processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

To receive messages from adjacent neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for contralateral control?

Brain hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the nervous system?

Regulates heart and blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with promoting sympathetic nervous system activity during stress?

Epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

The spinal cord is primarily responsible for which function?

Transmitting messages between the brain and body Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the brain is responsible for the coordination of voluntary muscle movement?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

What does the limbic system primarily help to manage?

Emotional memories and functioning Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the forebrain is responsible for the recognition and relay of sensory stimuli?

Thalamus Signup and view all the answers

The axon of a neuron is primarily responsible for:

Sending messages to adjacent neurons Signup and view all the answers

What type of nervous system is the somatic nervous system part of?

Peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of arteries in the cardiovascular system?

To circulate oxygenated blood from the heart to the body Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the heart is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body?

Left ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What happens to blood pressure during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle?

It is at its lowest point Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors directly contributes to an increase in blood pressure?

Increased cardiac output Signup and view all the answers

How does the elasticity of the arteries affect blood pressure?

Decreased elasticity raises blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of blood viscosity on blood pressure?

Increased viscosity raises blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason diastolic blood pressure decreases when arteries dilate?

Peripheral resistance decreases Signup and view all the answers

During which condition is blood pressure typically at its lowest?

In deep sleep Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of saliva in the digestive process?

Breaks down starches Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the digestive system is primarily responsible for the absorption of water?

Large intestine Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the death of liver cells replaced by scar tissue?

Cirrhosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the alveoli in the respiratory system?

To facilitate gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which action propels food through the esophagus?

Peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes peptic ulcers?

Bacterial infection and excess gastric juices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes hyperventilation?

Rapid shallow breathing that reduces carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of anoxia?

Loss of judgment and consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential long-term consequence of sickle-cell anemia?

Increased risk of fatal complications Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by the excessive production of white blood cells?

Leukocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What is hemophilia related to?

Malfunctioning platelets for clotting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of plasma?

90% water and 10% plasma proteins Signup and view all the answers

What does leukopenia indicate?

Deficiency of white blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following occurs when platelets improperly function?

Hemophilia Signup and view all the answers

What role do leukocytes serve in the body?

Destroy bacteria and provide protection Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger an immune response in the body?

Antigens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Nervous System

Composed of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
CNS includes the brain and spinal cord; PNS consists of somatic and autonomic systems.
Dendrites receive messages; axons transmit messages; synapses are fluid-filled gaps between neurons.

Brain Structure

Cerebral hemispheres receive sensory info and control motor responses contralaterally.
Major regions:
- Hindbrain: Medulla (sensory info from heart), Pons (linking hindbrain and midbrain), and Cerebellum (voluntary muscle coordination).
- Midbrain: Pathway for sensory and motor impulses.
- Forebrain:
  - Diencephalon: Thalamus (sensory recognition), Hypothalamus (regulates heart and blood pressure).
  - Telencephalon: Two cerebral hemispheres (cerebral cortex).

Limbic System

Components: Amygdala (threat detection), Hippocampus (emotional memories), Cingulate gyrus, Septum, and certain hypothalamic areas (emotional functioning).

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that regulate nervous system functions; important ones include epinephrine and norepinephrine, which activate sympathetic nervous system during stress.

Spinal Cord

Transmits messages between the brain and body;
- Efferent: Going away from the brain to produce actions.
- Afferent: Relaying sensory information to the brain.

Peripheral Nervous System

Somatic Nervous System: Involved in voluntary control of body movements.
Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions; includes sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems.

Disorders of the Nervous System

Common disorders include epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, paraplegia, and quadriplegia.

Endocrine System

Complements the nervous system via hormone regulation (e.g., adrenaline and cortisol).
Regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Digestive System

Enzymatic breakdown of food starts in the mouth; stomach facilitates initial protein digestion.
Small intestine is the primary site for chemical breakdown and nutrient absorption; large intestine absorbs water and stores waste.
Disorders include peptic ulcers, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

Respiratory System

Responsible for gas exchange; oxygen enters, carbon dioxide is expelled in alveoli.
Air travels from nose/mouth to lungs via trachea and bronchial tubes.
Disorders include asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Cardiovascular System

Comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Arteries carry oxygenated blood; veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart.
Blood pressure influenced by cardiac output, blood volume, peripheral resistance, elasticity, and viscosity.

Blood Components and Disorders

Leukocytes: White blood cells protect against infections; conditions include leukemia (excessive white cells), leukopenia (deficiency), and leukocytosis (excessive due to infections).
Platelets: Prevent blood loss during injury; disorders include hemophilia (impaired clotting) and thrombosis.
Plasma: Comprises 55% of blood; majority is water, also contains proteins, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

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Description

Explore the key components and functions of the nervous system in this enlightening quiz. Learn about the structure of nerve cells, including the cell body and dendrites, and their roles in communication within the body.