Nervous System Physiology Essentials 1
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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the nervous system?

  • To maintain homeostasis in the body
  • To control voluntary muscle movements only
  • To provide structure to the body
  • To receive, organize, develop, and transmit information (correct)

    • Which components make up the central nervous system (CNS)?

  • Spinal cord and peripheral nerves
  • Cranial nerves and spinal nerves
  • Skull and vertebral column
  • Brain and spinal cord (correct)

    • What is the role of glial cells in the CNS?

  • To control involuntary functions
  • To transmit neural signals
  • To filter sensory input
  • To support, nourish, and protect neurons (correct)

    • Which of the following best describes the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

    <p>It connects the CNS to muscles and organs in the body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system (SNS)?

    <p>To control voluntary muscle movements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of nerves are included in the somatic nervous system?

    <p>Motor and sensory nerves controlling voluntary movements (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What functions does the autonomic nervous system regulate?

    <p>Involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the spinal cord contribute to the functioning of the nervous system?

    <p>By transmitting signals between the body and the brain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a role of sensory nerves in the somatic nervous system?

    <p>Controlling muscle contractions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the nervous system is incorrect?

    <p>The PNS includes only the brain and spinal cord (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What part of the neuron collects signals from dendrites?

    <p>Soma (cell body) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function does the myenteric plexus serve in the enteric nervous system?

    <p>Controlling intestinal movements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the somatic nervous system respond to voluntary movements?

    <p>By allowing muscles to move based on conscious intention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body?

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

    In the context of the nervous system, what does the axon hillock do?

    <p>Initiates the action potential before signal transmission (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>To trigger the 'fight or flight' response (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

    <p>Preganglion neurons carry signals from the central nervous system to the ganglia. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the sympathetic nervous system affect the body during stress?

    <p>Slows down digestion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the parasympathetic nervous system from the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>It enables the body to return to normal during rest. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the sympathetic nervous system primarily originate?

    <p>Thoracic and lumbar regions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is true about the ganglia in the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>They are arranged in a sympathetic chain close to the spinal cord. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In relation to their length, how do the preganglion and postganglion neurons differ in the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Preganglion neurons are short and postganglion neurons are long. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of postganglionic fibers in the parasympathetic nervous system?

    <p>To carry signals from the ganglia to the target organs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To initiate the action potential (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of connection is most common for signal transmission between neurons?

    <p>Axo-dendritic Connection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of the myelin sheath on conduction speed in axons?

    <p>It increases conduction speed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cells form the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>Schwann cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do nodes of Ranvier play in myelinated axons?

    <p>They allow for faster conduction of signals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions specifically attacks oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

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

    What is one of the main symptoms of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)?

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

    Which two diseases specifically target the myelin sheath?

    <p>Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

    <p>Muscle weakness and rapidly progressive paralysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neuroglial cell type is responsible for providing myelin in the peripheral nervous system?

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

    What is a common symptom of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?

    <p>Deformities and muscle weakness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of neuron has a single branch extending from the soma?

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

    Which neuroglial cells act as immune cells in the central nervous system?

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

    What distinguishes Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

    <p>CIDP has a slower progression of symptoms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following functions is NOT associated with astrocytes?

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

    What role do satellite cells play in the peripheral nervous system?

    <p>Nourishing and supporting neuron cell bodies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of neuron is most commonly found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala?

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

    What is the structural shape of pseudounipolar neurons?

    <p>A letter T (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of nerve fibers is known to have the fastest conduction velocity?

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

    Which characteristics describe Type B nerve fibers?

    <p>Myelinated, medium diameter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of sensations are primarily carried by Type C nerve fibers?

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

    What is the diameter range of Type A nerve fibers?

    <p>5-20 µm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of nerve fibers are primarily used for involuntary control of organs?

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

    Which statement is true about the relationship between nerve fiber diameter and conduction speed?

    <p>As the diameter increases, conduction speed also increases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Nervous System Function

    The nervous system receives, organizes, processes, and transmits information throughout the body.

    Central Nervous System (CNS)

    The brain and spinal cord; the body's main information processing center.

    Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    The nerves outside the CNS, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

    Afferent Neuron

    Sensory neuron; carries information from receptors to the CNS.

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    Efferent Neuron

    Motor neuron; carries commands from the CNS to effector organs (muscles/glands).

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    Somatic Nervous System

    Part of the PNS controlling voluntary movements.

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    Autonomic Nervous System

    Part of the PNS controlling involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate).

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    Neuron

    A specialized cell in the nervous system that transmits signals.

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    Sympathetic Nervous System

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

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    Parasympathetic Nervous System

    The 'rest and digest' response system. It helps the body return to normal during rest and relaxation by slowing heart rate, speeding up digestion, and saving energy.

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    Ganglion

    A cluster of nerve cell bodies where nerve signals are transmitted.

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    Preganglionic Neuron

    A neuron that carries signals from the CNS to a ganglion.

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    Postganglionic Neuron

    A neuron that carries signals from a ganglion to a target organ.

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    Sympathetic Pre/Postganglion Length

    Sympathetic preganglionic neurons are short because their ganglia are close to the spinal cord. Sympathetic postganglionic neurons are longer because they reach target organs further away.

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    Parasympathetic Pre/Postganglion Length

    Parasympathetic preganglionic neurons are long because they travel from the brain or sacral region to the organs. Parasympathetic postganglionic neurons are short because they synapse near the organs.

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    Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

    The SNS controls voluntary muscle movements. It gets information from the environment and sends signals to muscles to move.

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    Sensory Nerves

    Nerves in the SNS that send information from your senses (touch, temperature, pain) to the brain and spinal cord.

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    Motor Nerves

    Nerves in the SNS that send signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, making them move.

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    Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

    The ENS controls the digestive system without conscious control. It helps move food, makes digestive juices, and influences blood flow in the gut.

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    Myenteric Plexus

    Part of the ENS that controls the muscles in the intestines, helping to move food along.

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    Submucosal Plexus

    Part of the ENS that controls the release of digestive juices and blood flow in the gut.

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    Axon

    The long, thin part of a neuron that carries signals away from the cell body to other cells.

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    Axon Hillock

    The area where the neuron's electrical signal (action potential) starts. It acts like a gatekeeper, deciding whether the signal will be transmitted or not.

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    Axo-dendritic Connection

    A connection between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another. This is the most common type of connection, where signals flow from one neuron to the next.

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    What is the function of the myelin sheath?

    The myelin sheath is a fatty covering that surrounds the axon of a neuron. It provides insulation, preventing signal loss and increasing the speed of signal transmission.

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    Nodes of Ranvier

    Small gaps between the myelin sheath on an axon. They allow the electrical signal to jump between these gaps, speeding up transmission.

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    Unmyelinated vs. Myelinated Axon

    Unmyelinated axons lack the myelin sheath and transmit signals slowly. Myelinated axons have the sheath, allowing for faster signal transmission.

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    How does axon diameter affect conduction speed?

    The larger the axon diameter, the faster the conduction speed of the signal. This is because larger axons have less resistance to the flow of the electrical signal.

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    Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

    An autoimmune disease affecting the myelin sheath of the central nervous system. The immune system attacks the myelin, disrupting signal transmission, causing symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and balance problems.

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    Neuromyelitis Optica

    An autoimmune disease that targets both the optic nerve and spinal cord, damaging the myelin sheath. This can lead to vision problems and spinal cord damage.

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    Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

    An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and rapid paralysis.

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    Pyramidal Neuron

    The largest neuron in the CNS, found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Responsible for higher cognitive functions.

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    Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

    A genetic disorder causing deterioration of the myelin sheaths in peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, sensory loss, and deformities.

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    Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

    An autoimmune disease similar to GBS but with slower progression, causing muscle weakness and sensory loss due to myelin breakdown.

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    Pseudounipolar Neuron

    A single neuron with one neck splitting into two ends, one receiving input and the other transmitting output. Common in sensory neurons.

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    Neuroglia Cells

    Support cells in the nervous system that nourish, protect, and assist neurons in their functions.

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    Type A Nerve Fibers

    The widest and fastest nerve fibers, carrying signals related to motor functions, conscious touch, and pressure.

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    Astrocytes

    Neuroglia cells in the CNS that maintain the blood-brain barrier, provide nutrients, regulate ion balance, and help form scar tissue.

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    Aα (Alpha) Motor Neuron

    A subtype of Type A fibers, controlling muscle movements.

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    Microglia

    Neuroglia cells in the CNS that act as immune cells (macrophages), engulfing damaged cells and debris.

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    Aβ (Beta) Sensory Neuron

    A subtype of Type A fibers, carrying touch and pressure sensations.

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    Oligodendrocytes

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

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    Type B Nerve Fibers

    Medium-sized, myelinated fibers responsible for involuntary control of organs in the autonomic nervous system.

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    Type C Nerve Fibers

    The thinnest and slowest nerve fibers, carrying sensations like burning pain and temperature.

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    Schwann Cells

    Neuroglia cells in the PNS that myelinate axons, speeding up signal transmission, and aid in nerve injury repair.

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    Myelinated vs. Unmyelinated

    Myelinated fibers are coated in myelin, increasing conduction speed, while unmyelinated fibers lack this coating and transmit signals slower.

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    Study Notes

    Nervous System Physiology Essentials 1

    • The nervous system consists of neurons that transmit signals and neuroglia that support neurons.
    • Its primary function is to receive information, organize it, process it, and transmit it.
    • It's divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

    Central Nervous System (CNS)

    • The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
    • It acts as the primary information processing center.
    • It manages all neural activities and coordinates responses.
    • The brain controls cognitive functions like thinking, perception, learning, memory, and emotion.
    • The spinal cord enables signal transmission between the brain and body.
    • The CNS consists of neurons and glial cells. Glial cells support, nourish, and protect neurons, which transmit signals.

    Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    • The PNS encompasses all nerve structures outside the CNS.
    • It connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
    • It includes 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves and their ganglia.
    • The PNS facilitates information exchange between the CNS and body organs, muscles, skin, etc.
    • It's divided into somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

    Somatic Nervous System

    • Controls voluntary movements.
    • Contains motor nerves for muscle movement.
    • Contains sensory nerves for transmitting sensory information to the brain.

    Autonomic Nervous System

    • Regulates involuntary functions (not under conscious control).
    • Includes sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
    • The sympathetic division triggers the "fight-or-flight" response (accelerating heart rate, increasing blood pressure).
    • The parasympathetic division facilitates "rest-and-digest" functions (slowing heart rate, increasing digestion).

    Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

    • Located in the wall of the digestive system.
    • Allows the intestines to function autonomously.
    • Regulates contractions, secretions, enzyme release, and blood flow within the digestive tract.

    Neurons

    • The basic functional unit of the nervous system.
    • Composed of the soma (cell body), dendrites, and axon.
    • The soma contains the nucleus and organelles, maintaining the neuron's function and receiving signals from the dendrites.
    • Dendrites receive signals from other neurons.
    • The axon transmits signals to other neurons.
    • Axon terminals contain synaptic vesicles that release neurotransmitters, enabling communication with other neurons.
    • Signals are transmitted across synapses via chemical messengers.

    Axon Hillock

    • The site where the axon joins the soma.
    • The region containing ion channels that initiate and regulate signals (action potentials).

    Types of Connections Between Neurons

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

    Neuroglial Cells (Glial Cells)

    • Support, nourish, and protect neurons.
    • Undertake crucial functions for the nervous system.
    • Types include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia.

    CNS and PNS Myelin Sheath Diseases

    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Autoimmune disease targeting myelin sheath.
    • Neuromyelitis Optica (Devics' Disease): Autoimmune disease targeting myelin sheath.
    • Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): Inflammatory disease affecting the CNS (often following viral infections or vaccinations).
    • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Autoimmune attack on peripheral myelin sheath, causing muscle weakness and progressive paralysis.
    • Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: Inherited condition that results in myelin sheath deterioration in peripheral nerves.
    • Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): Autoimmune condition similar to GBS, but slower progression.

    Classification of Neurons

    • Afferent (sensory): Transmit signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.
    • Interneurons: Connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS.
    • Efferent (motor): Transmit signals from the CNS to effector organs (muscles, glands).

    Nerve Fiber Types

    • Classified by diameter and conduction speed.
    • Type A: Largest, myelinated, fastest (motor and sensory for touch, pressure, muscle).
    • Type B: Medium-sized, myelinated, faster than Type C (preganglionic autonomic).
    • Type C: Smallest, unmyelinated, slowest (postganglionic autonomic and pain).

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    Nervous System Physiology Essentials 1 PDF - 2024-2025

    Description

    Explore the fundamental concepts of the nervous system in this quiz. Learn about the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), including the roles of neurons and glial cells. Test your knowledge on how these components interact to transmit signals and manage neural activities.

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