Nervous System Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What are the three main contexts in which the term 'nucleus' is used?

Cell, CNS, and MRI

Atom, Cell, and CNS (correct)

Molecule, Cell, and Nerve

PNS, CNS, and DNA

What is the difference between a 'tract' and a 'nerve'?

A tract is a type of glial cell, while a nerve is a type of neuron

A tract is a bundle of axons in the CNS, while a nerve is a bundle of axons in the PNS (correct)

A tract is in the PNS, while a nerve is in the CNS

A tract is a bundle of dendrites in the CNS, while a nerve is a bundle of dendrites in the PNS

What is the term used to describe a group of nuclei in the CNS that were once called the basal ganglia?

CNS ganglia

Ganglionic nuclei

Basal ganglia

Basal nuclei (correct)

What is the name of the structure where the optic nerve changes to the optic tract?

Optic chiasm Signup and view all the answers

What is the utility of MRI in the nervous system?

It can distinguish between white and gray matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the difference in terminology between 'tract' and 'nerve'?

Different locations Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a bundle of axons in the PNS?

Nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Paul C. Lauterbur and Sir Peter Mansfield?

Development of MRI technology Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ganglion in the PNS?

Not mentioned in the text Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a bundle of axons in the CNS?

Tract Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the central nervous system (CNS)?

It is responsible for carrying signals to and from the brain and spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The CNS is located within the skull and vertebral column, while the PNS extends beyond these cavities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an accurate statement about the relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The PNS is responsible for collecting sensory information and relaying it to the CNS for processing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the functional difference between gray matter and white matter in the nervous system?

Gray matter is composed of neuron cell bodies and dendrites, while white matter is composed of myelinated axons. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the passage, which of the following is NOT a function of the nervous system?

Regulating the body's internal environment, such as temperature and blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

The passage describes the nervous system as a complex structure. What is the primary reason for this complexity?

The nervous system is responsible for a wide range of functions, requiring specialized structures. Signup and view all the answers

The passage states that the nervous system can be divided into two major regions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Which of the following best describes the relationship between these two systems?

The CNS is the main control center, while the PNS acts as a communication network. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the spinal cord is TRUE?

The spinal cord is an extension of the brain that transmits information between the brain and the rest of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the central nervous system (CNS) from the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The CNS is located within the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS extends beyond these structures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional difference between a neuron's axon and its dendrite?

The axon transmits signals to other neurons, while the dendrite receives signals from other neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of glial cells?

Glial cells provide structural support and nourishment to neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of myelin in nervous tissue?

Myelin helps to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms describes a collection of neuron cell bodies in the CNS?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Why does white matter appear white in fresh nervous tissue?

The presence of a lipid-rich substance called myelin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between gray matter and white matter?

Gray matter contains cell bodies and dendrites, while white matter contains axons. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a peripheral nervous system structure?

Nerve Signup and view all the answers

Why are neurons considered the more functionally important cells in the nervous system?

Neurons are responsible for transmitting nerve impulses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the gap between two neurons where communication occurs?

Synapse Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Nervous System

The nervous system is a complex structure composed of many organs that look similar and can only be differentiated using tools such as the microscope or electrophysiology.
It can be divided into two major regions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
It is contained within the cranial cavity of the skull and the vertebral cavity of the vertebral column.
The CNS can be further divided into gray matter and white matter based on the presence of neurons and glial cells.
Gray matter contains many cell bodies and dendrites, while white matter is composed of many axons.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The PNS consists of everything else outside of the CNS, including ganglia and nerves.
It is referred to as "peripheral" because it is beyond the brain and spinal cord.
The PNS also contains neurons and glial cells, but the cell bodies of neurons are clustered in ganglia instead of nuclei.

Neurons and Glial Cells

Neurons are the more functionally important cells in the nervous system, responsible for communication.
Each neuron has a soma (cell body), axon, and dendrites.
Glial cells provide a framework of tissue that supports the neurons and their activities.

Gray Matter and White Matter

Gray matter is the region of the nervous system that contains many cell bodies and dendrites.
White matter is the region that contains many axons, which are insulated by myelin, a lipid-rich substance.
The distinction between gray and white matter is most often applied to central nervous tissue, but can also be seen in peripheral structures under a microscope.

Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

The nervous system can be divided based on its functions, including:
- Sensory systems that receive information from the environment
- Motor systems that respond to the environment
- Integrative systems that process and coordinate information

Other Key Points

The term "nucleus" has different meanings in anatomy and physiology, including the center of an atom, the center of a cell, and a center of function in the CNS.
A bundle of axons in the CNS is called a tract, while the same thing in the PNS is called a nerve.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to distinguish between white and gray matter in the nervous system.

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Description

Learn about the anatomical and functional divisions of the nervous system, differences between gray and white matter, and the basic functions of the nervous system.