Nervous System Review Questions

Questions and Answers

An example of integration by the nervous system is:

The decision to go back for an umbrella.

Where might gray matter nucleus be located? (Select all that apply)

Alongside the vertebral column (correct)

Within the brain (correct)

Within the spinal cord (correct)

None of the above

Histological examination of a slice of neural tissue reveals a bundle of nerve fibers held together by cells whose multiple processes wrap around the several fibers and form a myelin sheath. The specimen is likely to be:

A tract.

The pineal gland is located in the:

Epithalamus. Signup and view all the answers

A type of brain trauma likely to result in a long-term coma is:

A brain contusion. Signup and view all the answers

The spinal cord feature associated with the leash of nerves supplying the upper limbs is the:

Brachial plexus and cervical enlargement. Signup and view all the answers

Which contains only motor fibers?

Ventral root. Signup and view all the answers

Cranial nerves that have some function in vision include the:

Trochlear. Signup and view all the answers

Motor functions of the extensor muscles of the arm, forearm, and fingers would be affected by damage to which one of these nerves? (Select all that apply)

Ulnar Signup and view all the answers

Autonomic nervous system has motor neurons located in ganglia.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the two great controlling systems of the body?

Nervous system and endocrine system. Signup and view all the answers

Explain both the structural and functional classifications of the nervous system.

The structural classification includes all the nervous system organs. The major subdivisions are the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) which is mainly nerves. The functional classification divides the PNS into afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) branches. Signup and view all the answers

List the structures of the CNS and PNS

CNS - the brain and spinal cord; PNS - nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Give the basis for the functional classification of neurons.

The functional classification of neurons is based on the general direction of the impulse. Impulses traveling from sensory receptors to the CNS are afferent (sensory) neurons, while impulses traveling from the CNS to effector organs are efferent (motor) neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Name four types of cutaneous sensory receptors. Which of the receptor types is most numerous? Why?

Touch, pressure, heat, & pain. Signup and view all the answers

Other than serving as a conduction pathway, what is a major function of the pons? Why is the medulla the most vital part of the brain?

The pons also has important nuclei that participate in the control of respiratory rhythm. The medulla is vital because it contains the major respiratory centers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the thalamus? The hypothalamus?

The thalamus is a relay station for sensory impulses ascending to the cerebral cortex for interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main functions of the spinal cord?

It connects a large part of the peripheral nervous system to the brain and acts as a minor coordinating center responsible for some simple reflexes like the withdrawal reflex. Signup and view all the answers

How does the autonomic nervous system differ from the somatic nervous system?

The autonomic nervous system has a chain of two motor neurons extending from the CNS and is controlled involuntarily, while the somatic nervous system is controlled voluntarily. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Overview

Integration by the nervous system is exemplified by decision-making actions, like retrieving an umbrella.
Gray matter nuclei are positioned alongside the vertebral column, within the brain, and in the spinal cord.
A neural tissue specimen with a myelin sheath around nerve fibers is identified as a tract.
The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, contributing to circadian rhythms.

Brain Trauma and Nerve Supply

A brain contusion can lead to long-term coma.
The brachial plexus and cervical enlargement are associated with nerve supply to the upper limbs.

Nervous System Structure and Function

The ventral root exclusively contains motor fibers.
Cranial nerves involved in vision include the trochlear nerve.
Damage to the radial, ulnar, or median nerves affects motor functions of the extensor muscles in the arm and fingers.

Autonomic vs. Somatic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system has motor neurons located in ganglia, differentiating it from the somatic nervous system.
The two primary control systems of the body are the nervous system and the endocrine system.

Structural and Functional Classifications

Structural classification of the nervous system includes the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
CNS encompasses the brain and spinal cord; PNS comprises nerves connecting these structures.
Functional classification splits the PNS into afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) divisions, with the motor division further divided into somatic and autonomic branches.

Neuron Classification and Sensory Receptors

Functional classification of neurons is based on impulse direction:
- Afferent neurons carry impulses to the CNS.
- Efferent neurons carry impulses to effector organs.
- Interneurons connect afferent and efferent pathways within the CNS.
Types of cutaneous sensory receptors include touch, pressure, heat, and pain, with one type being most numerous due to its critical role in sensation.

Functions of the Pons and Medulla

The pons is involved in respiratory rhythm regulation in addition to serving as a conduction pathway.
The medulla is vital for life due to its control over respiratory and cardiovascular functions, including blood pressure regulation.

Roles of the Thalamus and Hypothalamus

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory impulses traveling to the cerebral cortex for interpretation.

Functions of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord connects peripheral nervous system parts to the brain and coordinates simple reflex actions, such as withdrawal reflexes.

Differences Between ANS and Somatic NS

The autonomic nervous system features a two-neuron chain from the CNS and operates involuntarily, unlike the somatic nervous system's single neuron and voluntary control.
ANS controls different effector organs (e.g., cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, glands) and can release acetylcholine or norepinephrine.

Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Functions

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response, while the parasympathetic division supports 'rest and digest' functions.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the nervous system with these flashcard questions. This quiz covers topics such as integration, gray matter, and neural tissue. Perfect for students who want to reinforce their understanding of the nervous system's structure and function.