T04: Neurons & Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of Schwann cells in the nervous system?

Help the body interact with the environment (correct)

Transmit sensory information directly to the brain

Support the cell bodies of neurons in the ganglion

Facilitate communication between interneurons

Which of the following correctly describes the dorsal root ganglion?

Contains multipolar neurons

Contains motor neuron cell bodies

Found in the central nervous system

Associated with pseudounipolar neurons (correct)

What is the function of satellite cells in the peripheral nervous system?

Conduct electrical impulses along axons

Provide support to the cell bodies of the ganglion (correct)

Facilitate synaptic transmission between neurons

Mediate the stress response in the body

How many pairs of spinal nerves are present in the human body?

31 pairs Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the peripheral nervous system provides motor innervation of the skeletal muscles?

Somatic division Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neurons in the frontal lobe?

Transmitting nerve impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical part of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving information?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

What happens to information transmission if acetylcholine is blocked?

Information is not transmitted Signup and view all the answers

What role does myelin play in the nervous system?

It insulates axons and increases transmission velocity Signup and view all the answers

In which condition does the body destroy its own myelin?

Multiple sclerosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell body of a neuron also known as?

Perikaryon Signup and view all the answers

How are neurons classified based on morphology?

By the shape and number of processes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about glial cells is accurate?

They provide support and protection for neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main parts of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord?

Central Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of oligodendrocytes in the nervous system?

To produce myelin in the CNS Signup and view all the answers

What components constitute the brainstem?

Midbrain, Pons, and Medulla Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major division of the Central Nervous System?

Peripheral Nerve System Signup and view all the answers

What function does cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serve?

Protects the brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the production of myelin in the CNS?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the Central Nervous System is responsible for higher cognitive functions?

Cerebral Hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurons and the Nervous System

Neurons are the functional units of the nervous system, communicating via synapses.
Neurons consist of a cell body (soma), axon, and dendrites.
Dendrites receive information, while axons transmit signals to other neurons.
Myelin insulates axons, increasing the speed of signal transmission.
Diseases like multiple sclerosis destroy myelin, impairing signal transmission.
Axon damage can lead to paralysis.
Neurotransmitters like acetylcholine are released at axon terminals to transmit signals to other neurons.

Types of Neurons

Neurons are categorized by morphology:
- Bipolar neurons have one axon and one dendrite connected to the cell body. Found in sensory systems like the olfactory epithelium and retina.
- Unipolar/pseudounipolar neurons have a single process that branches from the cell body. Primarily sensory neurons.
- Multipolar neurons have multiple dendrites and one axon; the most prevalent neuron type.

Glial Cells

Glial cells support neurons, providing structure and metabolic function.
Glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) include:
- Oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the CNS.
- Astrocytes maintain the blood-brain barrier and aid in cellular repair.
- Microglia act as macrophages, performing immune functions.
- Ependymal cells produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Glial cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) include:
- Schwann cells have similar functions to oligodendrocytes, producing myelin in the PNS.
- Satellite cells support the cell bodies of the ganglia.

Organization of the Nervous System

The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord.
The brain contains: cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon (thalamus and hypothalamus), midbrain, pons, cerebellum, and medulla.
The spinal cord connects the brain to the body's periphery.
The peripheral nerves transmit sensory and motor information to and from the CNS to the body.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions like glandular activity and smooth muscle actions.
Composed of two branches:
- Sympathetic division is activated during "fight-or-flight" responses and increases activity.
- Parasympathetic division is activated during "rest-and-digest" responses. Promotes relaxation and lowers activity.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
Transmits sensory or motor information to/from the skeletal muscles that allow for voluntary actions.

Spinal nerves

There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, branching off the spinal cord to interact with the body.

Clinical Correlates

Imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI are used for diagnosing brain issues.
Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death.
Blood clots in arteries in the brain can cause a stroke by blocking oxygen and nutrients to brain cells resulting in cell death.
Red neurons indicate ischemic damage
Patient history, signs, and symptoms can help determine patient diagnosis and treatment.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the peripheral nervous system with this quiz. Questions cover Schwann cells, dorsal root ganglion, spinal nerves, and more. See how well you understand the functions and components essential for nerve function.