Organization of the Nervous System

Study Notes

Nervous System Overview

Comprises billions of neurons and neuroglia, divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, processing various sensory information.
The main source of thoughts, emotions, and memories.
Most muscle contractions and gland secretions originate from the CNS.

Brain

Located in the skull; vital part of the CNS.

Spinal Cord

Connects the brain and encased by the vertebral column.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Encompasses all nervous tissue outside the CNS, including nerves, ganglia, enteric plexuses, and sensory receptors.
Divided into three main systems: somatic, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems.

Nerve

A bundle of hundreds to thousands of axons along with connective tissue and blood vessels, found outside the brain and spinal cord.

Cranial Nerve

Responsible for sensory and motor functions in the head and neck; there are 12 pairs.

Spinal Nerve

Connects to the spinal cord and transmits sensory information from the body; comprises 31 pairs.

Ganglia

Small clusters of neuron cell bodies located outside the brain and spinal cord, associated with cranial and spinal nerves.

Enteric Plexuses

Networks of neurons within gastrointestinal tract walls, regulating digestive functions.

Sensory Receptor

Structures that detect changes in both external and internal environments; examples include touch receptors, photoreceptors, and olfactory receptors.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary skeletal muscles; sometimes referred to as the Skeletal Nervous System.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary functions of internal organs and glands; has sympathetic (arousing) and parasympathetic (calming) divisions.

Enteric Nervous System

Specialized nervous system for the gastrointestinal tract, controlling secretion and motility and linked to the CNS.

Sensory Function

Receptors detect internal (e.g., blood acidity) and external stimuli (e.g., physical sensations), transmitting information to the CNS via cranial and spinal nerves.

Integrative Function

The CNS processes sensory information, integrating it through analysis, storage, and decision-making for responses.

Motor Function

After integration, the CNS activates effectors (muscles and glands) through cranial and spinal nerves, triggering muscle contractions and gland secretions.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to the organization of the nervous system, including definitions and functions of its main subdivisions. Test your knowledge on the central and peripheral nervous systems and their roles in processing information.

Organization of the Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the Nervous System?

What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?

What part of the Nervous System is located in the skull?

What is the function of the Spinal Cord?

What is included in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

What are cranial nerves?

What do spinal nerves convey?

What are ganglia?

What do enteric plexuses help regulate?

What is the role of sensory receptors?

What does the Somatic Nervous System control?

What does the Autonomic Nervous System control?

What is the Enteric Nervous System responsible for?

What do sensory receptors detect?

What is the Integrative Function of the Nervous System?

What occurs during the Motor Function of the Nervous System?