Nervous System Physiology Essentials 1
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

  • To support muscle contraction
  • To receive, organize, and transmit information (correct)
  • To protect against environmental hazards
  • To transmit blood throughout the body

Which structure is NOT a part of the central nervous system (CNS)?

  • 12 pairs of cranial nerves (correct)
  • Spinal cord
  • Medulla spinalis
  • Brain

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

  • To store memories and cognitive functions
  • To form the myelin sheath
  • To support, nourish, and protect neurons (correct)
  • To transmit electrical signals

Which part of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements?

<p>Somatic Nervous System (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does information flow from sensory receptors to the central nervous system?

<p>Receptor -- Afferent neuron -- CNS -- Efferent neuron (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What system regulates involuntary functions in the body?

<p>Autonomic Nervous System (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a main role of the brain?

<p>Manage cognitive functions like thinking and memory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

<p>To facilitate communication between the CNS and the rest of the body (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?

<p>Controlling the body's voluntary muscle movements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nerve fibers are responsible for transmitting sensory information to the CNS?

<p>Sensory nerves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the enteric nervous system from the somatic nervous system?

<p>It regulates the digestive system independently. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main nerve networks within the enteric nervous system?

<p>Myenteric and submucosal plexuses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?

<p>Dendrites (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the axon play in a neuron?

<p>It facilitates communication with other cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is located at the end of the axon and enables signal transmission to other neurons?

<p>Synaptic nodes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the soma of a neuron primarily do?

<p>Contains the nucleus and maintains cell functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the axon hillock in a neuron?

<p>To initiate the electrical signal known as action potential. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuronal connection involves the axon connecting to another axon?

<p>Axo-axonal Connection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the myelin sheath affect the conduction speed of signals in neurons?

<p>It increases conduction speed and prevents signal loss. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of Multiple Sclerosis on the central nervous system?

<p>Destruction of the myelin sheath. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells form the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?

<p>Oligodendrocytes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by inflammation of the CNS and commonly follows a viral infection?

<p>Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether a neuron will transmit a signal?

<p>The ion channels present at the axon hillock (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about myelinated axons is correct?

<p>The myelin sheath increases the conduction speed as the axon diameter increases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the preganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>They are always short due to their proximity to ganglia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the parasympathetic nervous system?

<p>It is referred to as cranio-sacral (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statements are true about ganglia in the autonomic nervous system?

<p>They are nerve nodes transmitting signals between neurons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic postganglionic neurons?

<p>Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons are shorter than sympathetic postganglionic neurons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the sympathetic nervous system affect digestion?

<p>It slows down digestion to prepare for energy expenditure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on heart rate?

<p>It decreases heart rate to promote relaxation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is unique to sympathetic nervous system neurons?

<p>They are always found in the sympathetic chain close to the spinal cord (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

<p>It is caused by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuroglial cell is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system?

<p>Oligodendrocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Covering axons with myelin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease is primarily associated with which type of dysfunction?

<p>Deterioration of the myelin sheath due to genetic factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is true?

<p>CIDP is similar to GBS but progresses more slowly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron is classified as having a single neurite extending from the soma?

<p>Unipolar (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the role of microglia in the central nervous system?

<p>They act as immune cells and phagocyte damaged cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What benefit do satellite cells provide in the peripheral nervous system?

<p>Surrounding neuron cell bodies and aiding in healing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron is described as resembling the letter T?

<p>Pseudounipolar neurons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the conduction velocity of Type A nerve fibers?

<p>Up to 120 m/s (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sensations is primarily carried by Type C nerve fibers?

<p>Constant, burning pain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Type B nerve fibers in terms of size and function?

<p>Medium size, conducts at medium speed for involuntary control (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which subtypes of Type A nerve fibers are specifically responsible for transmitting sharp, rapid pain?

<p>Aδ fibers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nerve fiber is described as unmyelinated and has the slowest conduction velocity?

<p>Type C fibers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the diameter of nerve fibers and conduction speed?

<p>Larger diameter correlates with faster conduction speed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which function is associated with Type Aα fibers?

<p>Control of muscle movements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nervous System

A complex system of neurons and neuroglia that receives, processes, and transmits information throughout the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord, which process information and coordinate responses.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

Afferent Neurons

Sensory nerves that carry information from the body to the CNS.

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Efferent Neurons

Motor nerves that carry information from the CNS to muscles and glands.

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Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary muscle movements.

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Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

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Neuron Function

Transmit signals in the nervous system.

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Sympathetic Nervous System

The 'fight or flight' response system within the autonomic nervous system. It prepares the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and slowing digestion.

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Parasympathetic Nervous System

The 'rest and digest' system within the autonomic nervous system. It helps the body recover after stress, slows heart rate, and increases digestion.

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What are Ganglia?

Clusters of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system (CNS) where nerve signals are transmitted and processed.

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Preganglionic Neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system (CNS) to ganglia in the autonomic nervous system.

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Postganglionic Neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from ganglia to target organs in the autonomic nervous system.

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Sympathetic Chain

A chain of ganglia located along the spinal cord that are connected to the sympathetic nervous system.

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Thoracolumbar Origin

The sympathetic nervous system originates from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.

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Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements, receiving sensory information from the external environment, and sending signals to muscles for movement.

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Sensory Nerves

Nerves in the SNS that carry information from the body's sensory organs to the CNS, like feeling touch, temperature, and pain.

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Motor Nerves

Nerves in the SNS that carry signals from the CNS to muscles, causing them to contract and move.

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Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

A 'mini brain' in the digestive system responsible for controlling all the processes that occur within the gut, like digestion and movement of food.

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Myenteric Plexus

A network of nerves in the ENS that controls the movements of the intestines.

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Submucosal Plexus

A network of nerves in the ENS that regulates the secretion of digestive juices and blood flow in the intestines.

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Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals and communication throughout the body.

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Axon

A long, thin extension of a neuron that transmits signals from the cell body to other neurons.

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Axon Hillock

The area of a neuron where the electrical signal (action potential) is initiated. It contains many ion channels and acts as a 'threshold' area, deciding whether the neuron will transmit the signal or not.

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Axo-dendritic Connection

A connection between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron. This is the most common type of connection and signals are usually transmitted this way.

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Axo-somatic Connection

A connection between the axon of one neuron and the cell body (soma) of another neuron. This allows signals to be transmitted directly to the cell body.

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Axo-axonal Connection

A connection between the axons of two neurons. It plays a role in modulating or regulating the signal.

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Myelin Sheath

A lipid-protein structure that wraps around the neuron's axon to isolate it and prevent signal loss. It's like insulation for electrical wires.

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Node of Ranvier

A small gap between sections of the myelin sheath on an axon. These gaps allow for faster signal transmission in myelinated axons.

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin sheath in the central nervous system, disrupting signal transmission. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of balance, and muscle weakness.

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Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic's Disease)

An autoimmune disease that affects the optic nerve and spinal cord by targeting the myelin sheath, causing potential blindness and spinal cord damage.

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Guillain-Barré Syndrome

An autoimmune disease attacking the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and rapidly progressive paralysis.

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Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

A genetic disease causing degeneration of the myelin sheath in peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and deformities.

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Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

An autoimmune disease similar to GBS but with a slower progression, causing muscle weakness and loss of sensation due to myelin loss.

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Neuroglia

Auxiliary cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

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Astrocytes

Neuroglia in the CNS that protect the blood-brain barrier, provide nutrients to neurons, regulate ion balance, and form scar tissue.

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Microglia

Immune cells in the CNS that phagocytize damaged cells and waste in the event of infection or injury.

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Oligodendrocytes

Neuroglia in the CNS that myelinate axons, speeding up signal transmission.

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Schwann Cells

Neuroglia in the PNS that myelinate axons and help heal peripheral nerve injuries.

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Pyramidal Neuron

The largest neuron in the CNS, found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala.

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Pseudounipolar Neuron

A sensory neuron with a single neck splitting into two ends, resembling a "T" shape. One end receives stimuli, and the other transmits to the spinal cord or other synapses.

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What determines nerve fiber conduction speed?

The diameter of the nerve fiber; larger diameter = faster conduction speed.

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Type A Nerve Fibers

The widest and fastest nerve fibers. Responsible for motor functions and sensory sensations like touch, pressure, and rapid pain.

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Alpha Motor Neuron

A type of Type A nerve fiber that terminates at extrafusal muscle fibers, controlling muscle movements.

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Gamma Motor Neuron

A type of Type A nerve fiber that innervates intrafusal muscle fibers, regulating muscle spindle sensitivity.

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Type B Nerve Fibers

Medium-sized, myelinated nerve fibers that conduct at medium speed. Primarily found in the preganglionic fibers of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for involuntary control of organs.

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Type C Nerve Fibers

The thinnest and slowest unmyelinated nerve fibers, carrying sensations requiring slow transmission, such as burning pain and temperature.

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Study Notes

Nervous System Physiology Essentials 1

  • The nervous system is composed of neurons that transmit signals and neuroglia that provide support.
  • The nervous system's main function is receiving, organizing, processing, and transmitting information.
  • It's divided into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
  • It's the primary information processing center of the body.
  • It manages all neural activities and coordinates them.
  • The brain processes sensory information from the body and environment, and formulates appropriate responses.
  • It includes cognitive functions like thinking, perception, learning, memory, and emotion
  • The spinal cord enables signal transmission between the brain and the body.
  • The CNS is composed of neurons and glial cells. Glial cells provide support, nourishment, and protection to neurons.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • The PNS includes all nerve structures outside the CNS.
  • It provides communication between the CNS and the rest of the body.
  • It includes 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves and their ganglia.
  • It's vital for exchanging information between the body's organs, muscles, skin, and other structures to the CNS via nerve fibers originating from the brain and spinal cord.
  • The PNS has two main sections:
    • Somatic Nervous System:
      • Controls voluntary movements.
      • Its motor nerves enable muscle movement.
      • It has sensory nerves to transmit sensory signals (e.g., touch, temperature, pain) to the brain.
    • Autonomic Nervous System:
      • Controls involuntary functions, not under conscious control (e.g., heartbeat, digestion, sweating).
      • Divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

  • Sympathetic Nervous System:
    • Triggers the "fight or flight" response.
    • Prepares the body for stress situations.
    • Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and speeds up digestion.
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System:
    • Enables "rest and digest".
    • Enables the body to return to normal during rest and relaxation.
    • Slows down heart rate and speeds up digestion.

Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

  • Located in the wall of the digestive system.
  • Allows the intestines to function independently from the brain.
  • Regulates stomach and intestinal contractions.
  • Controls digestive enzyme secretion and intestinal blood flow.
  • Consists of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses - nerve networks in the intestinal wall.

Neurons

  • Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system.
  • Parts of a neuron: Cell body (soma), dendrites, and axon.
    • Collection of signals from dendrites and transmits them through axon.
  • Somatic neuron: cell body, dendrites, and axon.

Axon Hillock

  • The axon hillock is the area where the axon connects to the cell body.
  • It's where action potential (electrical signal) is first initiated.
  • Contains a large number of ion channels to decide if a signal will be sent.

Types of Connections Between Neurons

  • Axo-dendritic: Axon connects to a dendrite (most common).
  • Axo-somatic: Axon connects to the cell body
  • Axo-axonic: Axon connects to another axon.

Nerve Fiber Types

  • Classified based on diameter and conduction speed.
  • Type A:
    • Largest diameter and fastest conduction speed. Involved in touch, pressure, temperature, motor responses
    • Subtypes (Aa, Aβ, Aγ, Aδ)
  • Type B:
    • Medium diameter and speed. Important in the autonomic nervous system
  • Type C
    • Smallest diameter and slowest. Involved in pain, temperature, and other sensations. - Unmyelinated fibers.

Neuroglial Cells

  • Supporting cells of the nervous system.
  • Provide nourishment, support, structure, and protection to neurons.
  • Types include Astrocytes, Microglia, Oligodendrocytes, and Schwann cells.

CNS Myelin Sheath Diseases

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS): Autoimmune disorder affecting myelin in the CNS and causing symptoms like fatigue, balance problems, and muscle weakness.
  • Neuromyelitis optica (Devic's disease): Autoimmune attack causing spinal cord and optic nerve damage.
  • Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM): Inflammation of the CNS, often following an infection.

PNS Myelin Sheath Diseases

  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS): Autoimmune disorder causing myelin damage in the PNS, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: Genetic disorder affecting the myelin of peripheral nerves causing muscle weakness.
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP): similar to GBS, but progressing more slowly and showing damage to the peripheral nerves.

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Nervous System Physiology Essentials 1 PDF - 2024-2025

Description

Explore the fundamental aspects of the nervous system, including its structure and function. Understand the differences between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). This quiz covers key concepts such as information processing, neuron function, and cognitive activities.

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