Nervous System (Short Answer)
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Questions and Answers

What are the three layers of connective tissue that cover nerve fibers?

The three layers are Epineurium, Perineurium, and Endoneurium.

Estimate the approximate number of neurons in the spinal cord.

The spinal cord contains about 100 million neurons.

What is the primary role of the CNS regarding sensory information?

The CNS processes many kinds of incoming sensory information.

What is a nerve, and what does it consist of?

<p>A nerve is a bundle of hundreds to thousands of axons, along with associated connective tissue and blood vessels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'sensory receptor' in the context of the nervous system.

<p>A sensory receptor is a structure that monitors changes in the external or internal environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do interneurons play in the nervous system?

<p>Interneurons facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons, processing signals within the central nervous system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the myelin sheath.

<p>The myelin sheath insulates axons, increasing the speed of nerve impulse transmission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of synapse is formed between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another?

<p>This synapse is called an Axodendritic synapse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Nodes of Ranvier?

<p>Nodes of Ranvier are unmyelinated gaps along the axon that facilitate saltatory conduction of nerve impulses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sensory or afferent division of the nervous system?

<p>It conveys input into the CNS from sensory receptors in the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord?

<p>Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of astrocytes in the nervous system.

<p>Astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support to neurons, and help maintain the blood-brain barrier.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of connection is an Axosomatic synapse?

<p>An Axosomatic synapse is a direct connection between the axon of one neuron and the cell body of another neuron.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the somatic and autonomic nervous systems differ in terms of motor control?

<p>The somatic nervous system controls skeletal muscles with voluntary actions, while the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary actions of smooth muscle and glands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do microglia contribute to the nervous system's defense mechanisms?

<p>Microglia act as scavengers, removing debris and pathogens in the central nervous system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do enteric plexuses play in the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Enteric plexuses regulate smooth muscle and gland activity in the digestive canal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Can the enteric plexuses operate independently of the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Yes, they can function independently, although they communicate with and are regulated by other branches of the ANS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central nervous system composed of?

<p>The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of sensory information does the afferent division of the nervous system convey?

<p>It conveys sensory information about somatic senses like touch and temperature, as well as special senses such as vision and hearing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the cells responsible for producing the myelin sheath in the CNS and PNS.

<p>Oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the central nervous system, while Schwann cells do so in the peripheral nervous system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the autonomic nervous system typically interact with its two divisions?

<p>The two divisions of the autonomic nervous system usually have opposing actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ependymal cells in the nervous system?

<p>Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and spinal cord, producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the sensory receptors mentioned in the content?

<p>Sensory receptors include those for touch, vision, and smell, each detecting different forms of stimuli.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific voluntary actions are controlled by the somatic nervous system?

<p>The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

<p>The two main branches of the ANS are the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the integrative function or 'PROCESS' of the nervous system serve?

<p>The integrative function processes sensory information by analyzing it and making decisions for appropriate responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the autonomic nervous system differ from the somatic nervous system in terms of control?

<p>The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the protective structures that encase the brain and spinal cord?

<p>The brain is encased by the hard bony skull, and the spinal cord is surrounded by the vertebral column.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the meninges in the central nervous system?

<p>The meninges are three membranes that lie between the bony encasement and the nervous tissue, providing additional protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of muscles and glands does the autonomic nervous system primarily affect?

<p>The autonomic nervous system primarily affects smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four lobes of the cerebrum?

<p>The four lobes of the cerebrum are the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What brain structures are included in the diencephalon?

<p>The diencephalon includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the limbic system in the brain?

<p>The limbic system is primarily involved in regulating emotions and is often referred to as the 'emotional brain.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the hypothalamus contribute to homeostasis?

<p>The hypothalamus helps maintain homeostasis by regulating various body activities, including temperature, sleep, and hunger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pineal gland within the epithalamus?

<p>The pineal gland secretes melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the primary function of the cerebellum in the brain.

<p>The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movement and maintaining balance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the medulla oblongata's location in the brainstem?

<p>The medulla oblongata is vital as it connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls involuntary functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the oculomotor and trochlear nerves function in eye movements?

<p>The oculomotor nerve controls most eye movements, while the trochlear nerve specifically innervates the superior oblique muscle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes gray matter in the brain from white matter?

<p>Gray matter contains unmyelinated axons and neuron cell bodies, giving it a grayish appearance, while white matter consists of myelinated axons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the habenular nuclei play in the brain?

<p>The habenular nuclei are involved in olfaction and emotional responses to odors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Association or Interneurons

  • Are found in the brain and spinal cord
  • Not specific to motor or sensory functions
  • Play a role in integrating sensory information and generating motor responses

Dorsal Root/Spinal Ganglion

  • A nodule on the dorsal root of the spine
  • Contains cell bodies of neurons
  • Carries signals from sensory organs toward the CNS

Motor (Efferent) Neurons

  • Convey motor impulses from the CNS to effectors

MYELIN SHEATH

  • Lipid-rich insulating material that surrounds axons
  • Arranged in concentric layers
  • Produced by Schwann cells in the PNS and Oligodendrocytes in the CNS

NODES OF RANVIER

  • Points along the axon that are not myelinated
  • Important for the rapid conduction of nerve impulses

Neuroglia (Glial Cells)

  • Support and protect neurons
  • Do not transmit nerve impulses

Astrocytes

  • Provide structural support for neurons
  • Regulate the chemical environment of the brain
  • Help form the blood-brain barrier

Satellite Cells

  • Specific to the PNS
  • Surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia
  • Provide support and insulation

Axoaxonic Synapses

  • Synapses made by one neuron onto the synapse of another neuron
  • Can influence the release of neurotransmitters

Ependymal Cells

  • Line the ventricles of the brain and spinal cord
  • Produce cerebrospinal fluid

Microglia

  • Phagocytic cells of the CNS
  • Remove debris and pathogens from the nervous system

ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Central Nervous System

  • Consists of the brain and spinal cord
  • Processes sensory information
  • Controls motor functions
  • Responsible for higher cognitive functions (thinking, feeling, and memory)

Brain

  • Located in the skull
  • Contains approximately 85 billion neurons

Spinal Cord

  • Connected to the brain through the foramen magnum
  • Encircled by the vertebral column
  • Contains approximately 100 million neurons

Peripheral Nervous System

  • All nervous tissue outside the CNS
  • Includes nerves and sensory receptors
  • Relays information between the CNS and the body

Nerves

  • Bundles of axons outside the brain and spinal cord
  • Carry sensory and motor information

Cranial Nerves

  • 12 pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain
  • Responsible for sensory and motor functions of the head and neck

Spinal Nerves

  • 31 pairs of nerves that emerge from the spinal cord
  • Responsible for sensory and motor functions of the body

Sensory Receptors

  • Structures that monitor changes in the external or internal environments
  • Examples include touch receptors in the skin, photoreceptors in the eye, and olfactory receptors in the nose

Sensory (Afferent) Division

  • Conveys sensory information from the body to the CNS

Somatic Senses

  • Include touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception

Special Senses

  • Include smell, taste, vision, hearing, and equilibrium

Motor (Efferent) Division

  • Conveys motor output from the CNS to effectors

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

  • Controls skeletal muscles
  • Responsible for voluntary movements

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

  • Controls smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands
  • Responsible for involuntary functions

Sympathetic Division

  • The "fight or flight" division of the ANS
  • Prepares the body for stressful situations

Parasympathetic Division

  • The "rest and digest" division of the ANS
  • Promotes relaxation and energy conservation

Enteric Plexuses

  • A network of neurons in the digestive tract
  • Regulates the activity of smooth muscle and glands of the digestive system

Synapses

  • Junctions between neurons where communication occurs
  • Allow for the transmission of nerve impulses

Types of Synapses

  • Axodendritic - axon to dendrite
  • Axosomatic - axon to cell body

FUNCTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Sensory Function (Input)

  • Sensory receptors detect internal and external stimuli
  • Information is carried to the CNS through cranial and spinal nerves

Integrative Function (Process)

  • The CNS analyzes sensory information
  • Makes decisions about appropriate responses

###Motor Function (Output)

  • The CNS activates effectors (muscles and glands) through cranial and spinal nerves
  • Causes muscles to contract and glands to secrete

BRAIN

Cerebrum

  • The largest part of the brain
  • Responsible for higher cognitive functions

Frontal Lobe

  • Planning, decision-making, and voluntary movement

Parietal Lobe

  • Processing sensory information
  • Spatial awareness

Temporal Lobe

  • Hearing and language

Occipital Lobe

  • Vision

Diencephalon

  • Located between the cerebrum and the brainstem
  • Relays sensory information
  • Regulates homeostasis

Thalamus

  • Relays sensory information to the cerebrum
  • Plays a role in consciousness

Hypothalamus

  • Controls many body activities
  • Regulates homeostasis
  • Secretes hormones

Epithalamus

  • Small region superior to the thalamus
  • Contains the pineal gland, which secretes melatonin
  • Involved in olfaction

Cerebellum

  • Located posterior to the brainstem and inferior to the cerebrum
  • Coordinates movement and balance

Brainstem

  • Connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord
  • Controls essential life functions (breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure)

Midbrain

  • Superior part of the brainstem
  • Involved in auditory and visual reflexes

Pons

  • Located between the midbrain and medulla oblongata
  • Relays information between the cerebrum and cerebellum

Medulla Oblongata

  • Inferior part of the brainstem
  • Controls vital reflexes, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure

BRAIN ORGANIZATION

  • The brain is organized into different regions that are specialized for different functions

PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES

  • The brain and spinal cord are protected by the skull, vertebral column, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Skull

  • Encases the brain, provides protection from injury

Vertebral Column

  • Surrounds the spinal cord, provides protection from injury

Meninges

  • Three membranes that lie between the bony encasement and the nervous tissue
  • Provide additional protection and support

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

  • Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord
  • Helps to maintain a stable chemical environment

Limbic System

  • A group of structures in the brain that are involved in emotions, memory, and olfaction.

Cranial Nerves

  • 12 pairs of nerves that emerge from the brain
  • Responsible for sensory and motor functions of the head and neck

Eye Movements

  • The oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves control eye movements

Grey Matter

  • Contains neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, unmyelinated axons, axon terminals, and neuroglia
  • Appears grayish because of the Nissl bodies
  • Has little or no myelin

White Matter

  • Contains myelinated axons
  • Appears white due to the presence of myelin

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Nervous System Notes PDF

Description

Test your knowledge about the different types of neurons, including association, motor, and sensory neurons. Dive into the functions of myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, and the role of neuroglial cells in supporting the nervous system. This quiz explores essential concepts related to the structure and function of the nervous system.

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