Somatic Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the somatic nervous system primarily control?

Hormonal responses in the body

Skeletal muscles and sense organs (correct)

Internal organ functions

Involuntary actions of the heart

Which function do ascending tracts of sensory neurons in the spinal cord perform?

Relay sensory information to the brain (correct)

Maintain homeostatic balance

Transmit motor commands to muscles

Control involuntary reflexes

What characterizes a reflex action?

It requires conscious thought

It involves a complex brain processing

It is triggered by a powerful stimulus (correct)

It is solely controlled by the endocrine system

How does the spinal cord contribute to motor commands?

By descending tracts of motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of homeostasis in the body?

To ensure natural balance in systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Interact with the endocrine system Signup and view all the answers

How do interneurons in the spinal cord contribute to reflex actions?

They act to connected sensory and motor neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the spinal cord?

A tubular bundle of nerves extending from the brain Signup and view all the answers

What hormones are secreted by the adrenal glands during excitement or stress?

Epinephrine and norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the male sex gland, the testes, regarding hormones?

Secrete primarily testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What do ovaries primarily produce aside from eggs?

Estrogen and progesterone Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is heavily involved in processing visual information?

Cerebral cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the detection of electromagnetic energy?

Vision Signup and view all the answers

What does visual accommodation refer to?

Changing the curvature of the lens Signup and view all the answers

What role do neurons play once visual information reaches the visual cortex?

They create meaningful perceptions Signup and view all the answers

What is Weber's Law primarily concerned with?

The relationship between stimulus intensity and perception Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical period during pregnancy when sexual organs become visible?

Third month Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be classified as teratogens that may harm the embryo and fetus?

Cigarettes and drugs Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by developmental effects resulting from maternal alcohol consumption?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor is likely to have a detrimental effect on fetal development?

Inaccessibility to health care Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the mental representation or schema containing knowledge about oneself?

Self-Concept Signup and view all the answers

What does Piaget's theory primarily focus on regarding development?

Distinct stages of cognitive development Signup and view all the answers

How can fetal exposure to teratogens be categorized?

Both environmental and maternal factors Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome on development?

Physical and mental abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

What function does the amniotic sac serve during embryonic development?

It acts as a protective cushion and temperature regulator. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the placenta play in embryonic development?

It filters harmful substances and aids nutrient exchange. Signup and view all the answers

At what stage does the fetus begin to develop characteristics similar to a human being?

After the ninth week following conception. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the umbilical cord?

To link the embryo to the placenta. Signup and view all the answers

According to Piaget's theory, how do children acquire knowledge?

By actively trying to understand their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'schemas' in the context of cognitive development?

Patterns of knowledge stored in long-term memory. Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of assimilation involve?

Using existing schemas to understand new information. Signup and view all the answers

What abilities begin to develop in a fetus around the ninth week of pregnancy?

Breathing and swallowing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential duration of insomnia according to the provided information?

It may last from a few days to several weeks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of sleep apnea?

Involves long periods of wakefulness. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do barbiturates and benzodiazepines have on sleep cycles?

They promote dependency and may cause harm. Signup and view all the answers

According to activation-synthesis theory, dreams are primarily understood as:

An interpretation of random neuronal activity. Signup and view all the answers

What type of problems can insomnia be related to?

Physical disorders, psychological issues, and stress. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of a psychoactive drug?

It modifies states of consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

Chronic insomnia can result from all the following EXCEPT:

Healthy lifestyle choices. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between sedative use and sleep quality?

Sedatives may disrupt sleep cycles and cause long-term harm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Division of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) managing external body functions.
Controls skeletal muscles, skin, and sensory organs.
Composed mainly of motor nerves that transmit brain signals for muscle contractions.

Spinal Cord

Long bundle of nerves extending from the brain.
Contains ascending tracts for sensory information to the brain.
Includes descending tracts for motor commands from the brain to the body.

Reflexes

Involuntary movements triggered by powerful stimuli.
Occur when sensory signals surpass a threshold, activating spinal cord interneurons.

Homeostasis

The natural equilibrium of the body’s internal systems.
Maintained by nervous system interactions with the endocrine system, influencing emotions and behavior.

Endocrine System

Works with sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Releases hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine during stress or excitement.

Testes

Male sex glands producing testosterone, the primary male hormone.

Ovaries

Female sex glands responsible for egg production.
Secrete hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Vision

A significant portion of the cerebral cortex is dedicated to visual processing.
Visual information is interpreted by neurons that detect colors, shapes, and motion.

Visual Accommodation

Adjusts the lens curvature for focusing.

Activation-Synthesis Theory

Suggests dreams are interpretations of random neuron firings in the brain stem.

Psychoactive Drugs

Chemicals that alter consciousness, perceptions, and moods.
Include sedatives that can disrupt sleep cycles and promote dependence.

Sleep Apnea

Disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep lasting over 10 seconds.

Jean Piaget’s Stage Model of Cognitive Development

Proposes children actively construct understanding of the world through distinct developmental stages.

Schemas

Patterns of knowledge stored in long-term memory that help organize and respond to information.

Assimilation

Utilizing existing schemas to incorporate new information.

Accommodation

Involves modifying schemas to integrate new information.

Teratogens

Environmental substances that can harm the developing embryo or fetus.
Include toxins like air pollution, as well as maternal behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Caused by maternal alcohol intake, leading to developmental issues like facial anomalies and intellectual disabilities.

Environmental Factors

Factors such as homelessness or poverty can impact fetal development negatively.

Self-Concept

Represents knowledge about oneself, including beliefs regarding personality, physical traits, and abilities.

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Description

This quiz explores the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) and its role in processing sensory information, controlling skeletal muscles, skin, and sense organs. Test your understanding of the components and functions of the SNS and spinal cord.