Nervous System Week 1: Functions of the Cerebrum

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?

Controls voluntary actions

Maintains involuntary activities (correct)

Processes sensory information

Regulates emotions

Which part of the brain is responsible for thinking?

Thalamus

Cerebrum (correct)

Brainstem

Cerebellum

Which disorder is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity?

Alzheimer's Disease

ADHD (correct)

Tourette Syndrome

Dyslexia

What condition is caused by a progressive disorder affecting nervous system function?

Parkinson's Disease Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is associated with Alzheimer's Disease?

Age Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a neurological disorder characterized by tics?

Tourette Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is meningitis?

An infection of the protective membranes of the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which condition describes general impaired cognitive function affecting daily activities?

Dementia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the occipital lobe?

Vision Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for involuntary actions?

Medulla Oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What role do dendrites play in neuron function?

Receive information towards the cell body Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron transmits signals from sensory organs to the brain?

Sensory Neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT associated with the brain stem?

Controlling cognitive functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of myelin sheaths in neurons?

Speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the nervous system controls voluntary activities?

Somatic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

The main function of interneurons is to:

Process sensory information and regulate motor activity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of the Cerebrum

The cerebrum has distinct lobes with specific functions:
- Occipital lobe processes vision.
- Frontal lobe is responsible for cognitive functions and controlling voluntary movements.
- Parietal lobe manages temperature, taste, touch, and movement sensations.
- Temporal lobe integrates and processes memories alongside different sensory experiences.

Anatomy of a Neuron

Neurons consist of:
- Dendrites that receive information toward the cell body.
- Axons that send messages away from the cell body.
- A cell body that contains the nucleus.
- Synapse acts as a relay point for nerve impulse transmission.
- Myelin sheath covers axons to speed up impulse transmission.

Types of Neurons

Sensory neurons transmit signals from sense organs to the brain.
Motor neurons send signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.
Interneurons process sensory information and regulate motor activity.

Neural Processing

Nerve impulses travel from dendrites to axons, using neurotransmitters to cross synapses.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Divided into sensory and motor nerves:
- Sensory nerves carry signals related to the five senses to the brain.
- Motor nerves transmit signals to muscles and glands.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain, encased in the skull, and the spinal cord, which transmits nerve signals between the brain and body.
The brain is the central processing unit for the nervous system.

Brain Stem

Connects spinal cord to the brain, regulating survival functions.
Contains three regions:
- Medulla Oblongata controls involuntary actions.
- Midbrain processes visual and auditory reflexes.
- Pons aids in respiratory function.

Divisions of the Nervous System

Somatic nervous system controls voluntary activities.
Autonomic nervous system manages involuntary activities (e.g., heart rate), further classified into:
- Parasympathetic system maintains homeostasis and restful functions.
- Sympathetic system prepares the body for "fight or flight."

Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder):
- Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Affects about 10% of school-aged children.
Alzheimer’s Disease:
- A neurodegenerative disease, major cause of dementia.
- Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle choices.
Dyslexia:
- Learning difficulty that affects reading and spelling.
- Risk factors include genetics and brain processing differences.
Aneurysm:
- A bulge in an artery in the brain.
Parkinson’s Disease:
- A progressive disorder that affects nervous system function.
- Risk factors encompass age, genetics, and exposure to toxins.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
- An autoimmune disease affecting the CNS with risk factors including family history and geographic location.
Tourette Syndrome (TS):
- Neurological disorder characterized by tics.
- Risk factors include family history and prenatal factors.
Meningitis:
- Infection and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord's protective membranes.
- Risk factors include skipping vaccinations and a weakened immune system.
Dementia:
- General term for cognitive impairment affecting daily activities.

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Description

Explore the functions of the cerebrum, including how different lobes like the occipital, frontal, parietal, and temporal contribute to vision, cognitive functions, and sensory experiences. This quiz covers the anatomy of neurons and their roles in the nervous system, focusing on communication within the brain. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in neuroscience.