Nervous System Structure and Function Quiz

11 Questions

What is the defining characteristic of an action potential?

The action potential is an all-or-none event that either occurs completely or not at all.

What is the primary function of neurotransmitters released at the axon terminals?

Neurotransmitters trigger the opening of ion channels in the next neuron.

Which component of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary movement and conscious sensory perception?

The somatic nervous system (SNS)

Which of the following is NOT a major cell type found in the nervous system?

Endothelial cells

What is the primary goal of ongoing research in the field of neurology?

To better understand the structure and function of the nervous system.

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

To control voluntary movements and receive sensory information from the body

Which of the following is NOT a major cell type found in the nervous system?

Red blood cells

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath surrounding some neurons?

To increase the speed of action potential propagation

What is the primary role of the autonomic nervous system?

To regulate the activity of internal organs and maintain homeostasis

What is the resting potential of a typical neuron?

$-70$ millivolts

What is the primary function of the cerebellum, which is part of the hindbrain?

To coordinate motor movements, maintain balance, and facilitate learning of motor skills

Study Notes

Cells in the body are diverse and specialized for different functions.
Neurons are the speaker's favorite specialized body cell, part of the nervous system.
The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes nerves throughout the body.
The brain is divided into hindbrain (medulla, pons, cerebellum), midbrain, and forebrain (cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus).
The PNS is further divided into the somatic nervous system (SNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS).
The ANS is divided into sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems.
Major cells in the nervous system include neurons and glial cells.
Neurons have cell bodies, dendrites for signal reception, axons for signal transmission, and synapses for communication.
Glial cells provide support, maintain chemical balance, produce myelin, and have immune functions in the nervous system.
Action potentials allow neurons to communicate rapidly, with resting potential around -70 mv.- Ion channels open, allowing Na+ ions to flood inside the first region of the axon, leading to depolarization as the electric charge becomes more positive.
The action potential spreads to the next region of the axon, while the old region starts to be restored back.
Neurons with myelin sheaths can have action potentials jump from node to node.
The action potential is considered an "all or none" event, meaning it either happens completely or not at all.
After the action potential reaches the axon terminals, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft to signal the next neuron.
Different types of neurotransmitters, derived from substances like amino acids or gases, can bind to specific receptors on the next neuron.
The nervous system includes the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), which further divides into the somatic nervous system (SNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS).
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) can be subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.
Glial cells and neurons are the major cell types in the nervous system.
Ongoing research aims to understand and address diseases and conditions of the nervous system, offering numerous career opportunities in neurology.