Nervous System Structures and Functions
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Questions and Answers

What primary role do neurons serve in the nervous system?

  • Regulate blood pressure
  • Support other body systems
  • Transmit electrical signals (correct)
  • Store memory

Which component of the nervous system is responsible for processing sensory information?

  • Glial cells
  • Spinal cord (correct)
  • Heart
  • Muscles

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nervous system?

  • Producing hormones (correct)
  • Regulating body temperature
  • Integration of information
  • Maintaining homeostasis

What type of cells support neurons in the nervous system?

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

What is the main purpose of sensory receptors in the body?

<p>Monitor external and internal stimuli (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do reflex actions relate to the nervous system?

<p>They require sensory input and motor output (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the spinal cord?

<p>It carries messages between the brain and the body (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of the brain in the nervous system?

<p>It interprets sensory information and controls movement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of sensory receptor responds to light for vision?

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

Which part of the eye includes the sclera and cornea?

<p>Fibrous Tunic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the ear is responsible for hearing?

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

How do general senses differ from special senses?

<p>General senses include pain and pressure, while special senses include smell and sight (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures are part of the middle ear?

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

Which structure detects dynamic equilibrium?

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

What primarily categorizes special senses?

<p>They include modalities like taste and smell (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of chemoreceptors?

<p>To respond to chemical stimuli like odor molecules (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is secreted by all preganglionic neurons?

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

Which plexus is responsible for innervating smooth and cardiac muscles?

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

What type of pain sensation is characterized as sharp and pricking?

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

Which of the following statements regarding postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division is true?

<p>They secrete norepinephrine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Regulate involuntary movements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is primarily detected by Pacinian corpuscles?

<p>Deep pressure and vibration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerves are associated with the brachial plexus?

<p>C5 to T1 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sympathetic division is often associated with which type of response?

<p>Fight or flight (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the nervous system?

<p>To regulate and coordinate body functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during depolarization in nerve cells?

<p>Sodium channels open, making the inside of the cell more positive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary function of the reticular activating system (RAS)?

<p>To maintain consciousness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which system is responsible for involuntary control of bodily functions?

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

Which of the following structures is responsible for balance and coordination?

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

What happens to the membrane potential during hyperpolarization?

<p>It becomes more negative than its starting value (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most superficial layer of the meninges?

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

Which part of the nervous system is primarily involved in processing sensory information?

<p>Central Nervous System (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which channel opens during repolarization of a nerve cell?

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

Which part of the brain serves as the relay center for sensory information?

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

What is one function of the diencephalon?

<p>Connecting the cerebrum to the rest of the nervous system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sensory receptors in the nervous system?

<p>To receive and convert stimuli into electrical signals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ions primarily causes depolarization in a nerve cell?

<p>Sodium (Na+) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The middle layer of the meninges is known as what?

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

What is one characteristic of the pia mater?

<p>It is named for its spider-web-like appearance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cannot be associated with the olfactory system?

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

What structure connects the central nervous system to the endocrine system?

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

Which portion of the spinal cord consists of myelinated axons?

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

The pineal gland is primarily involved in which physiological function?

<p>Influencing the onset of puberty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which column of the spinal cord carries descending tracts?

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

What structure provides the major pathway for communication between the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex?

<p>Corpus Callosum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is involved in emotional and visceral responses to odors?

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

What best describes the Cauda Equina?

<p>The part of the spinal cord resembling a horse's tail (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which columns in the spinal cord are primarily responsible for carrying sensory information?

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

Flashcards

What does the nervous system do?

The nervous system acts as the body's control center, receiving information and sending commands to maintain balance (homeostasis).

What are nerve impulses?

Nerve impulses are electrical signals that travel along neurons, allowing the nervous system to communicate.

What is depolarization?

Depolarization occurs when the inside of a nerve cell becomes more positive than the outside, due to the opening of sodium channels.

What is repolarization?

Repolarization is the return of the nerve cell to its resting state, where the inside is negatively charged again, due to potassium channel opening.

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What is hyperpolarization?

Hyperpolarization happens when the membrane potential becomes even more negative than its resting state.

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What are the two main parts of the nervous system?

The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

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What is the somatic nervous system?

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, like walking or picking up an object.

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What is the autonomic nervous system?

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions, like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

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Nervous System's Role

The nervous system helps keep the body's internal environment stable, a process called homeostasis. It does this by detecting changes, interpreting them, and then sending out signals to adjust accordingly.

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Brain: The Control Center

The brain is the central part of the nervous system. It receives and interprets information from all parts of the body, stores memories, and controls voluntary movements.

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Spinal Cord: The Pathway

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves connecting the brain to the rest of the body. It carries messages between the brain and the body, and also initiates reflexes.

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Neurons: The Communication Cells

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit signals throughout the nervous system. These signals allow for communication between different parts of the body.

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Glial Cells: The Support Team

Glial cells are the supporting cells of the nervous system. They provide structural support to neurons and also help with their functions.

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Sensory Input: Gathering Information

The nervous system constantly gathers information about the body and its surrounding environment. This includes things like vision, hearing, touch, and internal conditions.

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Integrating Information: Making Sense of It

The brain is responsible for processing sensory input and deciding how to respond. It interprets the information it receives and then triggers the appropriate actions.

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What is the Cauda Equina?

The Cauda Equina is the collection of nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord, resembling a horse's tail.

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What are the components of the spinal cord?

The spinal cord is composed of white matter, which is on the outside and contains myelinated axons, and gray matter, which is on the inside and contains neuron cell bodies.

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What are the three columns of the spinal cord's white matter?

The white matter of the spinal cord has three columns: dorsal (posterior), ventral (anterior), and lateral. Each column contains ascending or descending tracts.

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What are ascending tracts?

Ascending tracts carry sensory information from the body to the brain.

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What is the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus is a brain region that regulates crucial bodily functions like temperature, hunger, and thirst.

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What is the epithalamus responsible for?

The epithalamus is involved in emotional and visceral reactions to smells, and it contains the pineal gland.

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What does the pineal gland do?

The pineal gland, an endocrine gland, likely plays a role in puberty and regulates long-term cycles based on light and darkness.

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What is the largest part of the brain?

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher-level functions like thinking, memory, and language.

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Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary bodily functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion. It works without conscious effort.

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Sympathetic Division

The sympathetic division of the ANS is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, preparing the body for stressful situations. It increases heart rate, breathing, and blood flow to muscles.

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Parasympathetic Division

The parasympathetic division of the ANS is responsible for the 'rest-and-digest' response, promoting calming and relaxation. It slows heart rate, decreases breathing, and stimulates digestion.

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Preganglionic Neuron

The preganglionic neuron is the first neuron in a chain that carries signals from the CNS to the periphery in the ANS.

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Postganglionic Neuron

The postganglionic neuron is the second neuron in a chain that carries signals from the CNS to the periphery in the ANS.

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Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used by all preganglionic neurons in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.

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Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter used by most postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic division of the ANS.

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Brachial Plexus

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates from spinal nerves C5 to T1 and innervates the upper limbs.

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What are the meninges?

The meninges are three protective layers of connective tissue that surround the brain and spinal cord. They are responsible for cushioning and protecting the delicate structures of the CNS.

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What is the dura mater?

The dura mater is the outermost, thickest layer of the meninges. It is tough and fibrous, giving it the name 'tough mother' in Latin.

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What is the arachnoid mater?

The arachnoid mater is the middle layer of the meninges. It is named for its web-like appearance, containing delicate strands of connective tissue.

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What is the pia mater?

The pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges. It is thin and delicate and directly adheres to the surface of the brain and spinal cord.

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What is the cerebellum?

The cerebellum is a part of the brain responsible for balance, movement, and coordination. It's known as the 'little brain' due to its size.

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What is the reticular activating system (RAS)?

The RAS is a network of neurons in the brainstem involved in regulating wakefulness, attention, and sleep.

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What is the thalamus?

The thalamus is a relay center in the brain that receives sensory information and directs it to the appropriate part of the cerebral cortex.

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What is the diencephalon?

The diencephalon is a structure that connects the cerebrum to the rest of the nervous system (except olfaction). It contains the thalamus and hypothalamus.

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What is the Enteric Nervous System (ENS)?

The ENS is a network of neurons within the digestive tract that controls digestion, independent of the central nervous system (CNS).

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How does the ENS function?

The ENS can control the digestive process on its own but can also be influenced by the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

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What's the difference between general senses and special senses?

General senses have receptors spread throughout the body, providing information about the body and surroundings. Special senses are more localized and include smell, taste, sight, hearing, and balance.

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What are mechanoreceptors?

Mechanoreceptors respond to mechanical stimuli like pressure, touch, and vibrations.

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What are chemoreceptors?

Chemoreceptors respond to chemicals, detecting things like smell or taste.

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What are photoreceptors?

Photoreceptors are specialized cells that respond to light, allowing us to see.

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What are the three layers of the eye?

The eye has three layers: fibrous tunic (outermost), vascular tunic (middle), and nervous tunic (innermost).

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What are the parts of the ear involved in hearing?

The external ear collects sound waves, the middle ear transmits vibrations, and the inner ear converts vibrations into nerve signals for sound perception.

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Study Notes

Nervous System Structures and Functions

  • The nervous system regulates and coordinates body functions to maintain homeostasis
  • It receives signals, sends commands, and coordinates functions
  • The brain receives sensory information, stores memories, and controls movement
  • The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the body
  • Nerves send electrical signals controlling sensations, movement, and bodily functions
  • Glial cells support neurons

Action Potentials/Nerve Impulses

  • Nerve impulses are electrical signals carried along neurons
  • Depolarization: Increased positive charge inside the nerve cell, caused by sodium (Na+) channel opening
  • Repolarization: Increased negative charge inside the nerve cell, caused by potassium (K+) channel opening
  • Hyperpolarization: Membrane potential becomes more negative than its resting state

Functions of the Nervous System

  • Maintaining homeostasis: Detecting, interpreting, and responding to changes in internal and external conditions
  • Receiving sensory input: Sensory receptors monitor internal and external stimuli (e.g., blood pH, blood gasses)
  • Integrating information: Processing sensory input and initiating responses
  • Controlling muscles and glands: Contraction of skeletal muscles and control of cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands
  • Establishing and maintaining mental activity: Consciousness, memory, and thought processes

Types and Structure of the Nervous System

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): All nervous tissue outside the CNS (nerves and ganglia)
  • Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements
  • Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate)
  • Enteric Nervous System: Controls the digestive system

Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • Spinal Cord: Connects the brain to the body
  • Extends from the base of the skull to the lumbar vertebra
  • Contains white matter (myelinated axons) and gray matter (neuron cell bodies, dendrites)
  • Brain: Controls higher functions
  • Major regions: brainstem, cerebellum, diencephalon, cerebrum
  • Medulla oblongata: Autonomic functions (e.g., blood pressure)
  • Pons: Relays signals between brain regions
  • Midbrain: Controls eye movements
  • Cerebellum: Balance, movement, coordination
  • Diencephalon: Connects cerebrum and other systems. Thalamus: Sensory relay center
  • Hypothalamus: Regulates homeostasis and connects CNS to the endocrine system

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Cranial Nerves: 12 pairs attached to the brain (sensory and motor functions of head and neck)
  • Spinal Nerves: 31 pairs connected to the spinal cord, carrying sensory and motor information to and from the body
  • Ganglia: Groups of neuron cell bodies

Divisions of the Nervous System

  • Somatic nervous system: Voluntary movements
  • Autonomic nervous system: Involuntary movements
  • Sympathetic division: "Fight or flight" response
  • Parasympathetic Division: "Rest and digest"
  • Enteric nervous system: Controls the digestive system

Spinal Nerves

  • Mixed nerves containing sensory and motor neurons.
  • Categorized by vertebral column regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal

Sensory Receptors

  • Mechanoreceptors: Respond to mechanical stimuli
  • Chemoreceptors: Respond to chemicals
  • Photoreceptors: Respond to light
  • Thermoreceptors: Respond to temperature changes
  • Nociceptors: Respond to pain stimuli

General Senses

  • Free nerve endings, Merkel disks, hair follicle receptors, Meissner corpuscles

Protective Structures of the CNS

  • Meninges: Three connective tissue membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (Dura mater, Arachnoid mater, Pia mater)
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Provides a protective cushion around the CNS

Sensory Systems

  • Vision, hearing, taste, olfaction and balance, are discussed. Includes the structures and processes.

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Description

This quiz explores the key structures and functions of the nervous system, including the roles of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. You'll learn about action potentials, nerve impulses, and how the nervous system maintains homeostasis. Test your understanding of these vital processes!

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