Questions and Answers
Which subdivision of the Peripheral Nervous System transmits information from the CNS to peripheral tissues?
Which of the following is a component of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
The Somatic Motor Subdivision is under conscious control.
True
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is voluntary.
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What types of cells compose all neural tissue?
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The gap junctions in electrical synapses are very _____
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What triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the axon terminal?
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Match the following subdivisions of the Autonomic Nervous System with their functions:
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Study Notes
Organization of the Nervous System
- Divided into two main parts: Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
- CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing sensory information and coordinating responses.
- PNS consists of ganglia, nerves, sensory receptors, and the enteric nervous system, which is located in the digestive tract.
Functions of the CNS
- Receives sensory inputs from the PNS.
- Integrates inputs and determines appropriate responses.
- Initiates and coordinates actions, such as those performed by the cerebral cortex.
Peripheral Nervous System Subdivisions
- Sensory Subdivision (Afferent): Gathers and transmits information from peripheral receptors to the CNS.
- Motor Subdivision (Efferent): Transmits commands from the CNS to peripheral tissues (muscles, glands) to trigger actions like muscle contraction or secretion.
Efferent Subdivision of PNS
- Further divided into:
- Somatic Motor Subdivision: Controls voluntary skeletal muscles, operates under conscious control.
- Visceral Motor Subdivision (Autonomic Nervous System, ANS): Regulates involuntary muscles and gland secretion, operates unconsciously.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- Divided into two antagonistic subdivisions:
- Sympathetic Subdivision: Prepares the body for stress-related activities.
- Parasympathetic Subdivision: Promotes rest and digest activities.
- The balance between these subdivisions is crucial for physiological regulation.
Neural Tissue Composition
- Composed of two cell types:
- Neurons: Functional units that generate and conduct electrical signals.
- Glial Cells: Supportive cells that provide structure, regulate nutrient flow, and form blood-brain barrier; they also produce scar tissue after injury.
Glial Cells in CNS and PNS
- Both CNS and PNS contain specialized glial cells that support neuronal function.
- Neurons transfer information by converting chemical signals to electrical signals and vice versa.
Neuronal Communication Process
- Dendrites: Receive signals and translate them into Post-Synaptic Potentials (PSPs).
- If the PSP is substantial, the axon hillock generates an Action Potential (AP).
- The AP travels down the axon and triggers neurotransmitter release at the axon terminal to affect the target cell.
Synapses
- Involve both electrical and chemical signaling, with electrical synapses being rare.
- Gap junctions facilitate rapid communication between neurons through this process.
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Description
This quiz covers Chapter 8 of the Nervous System, focusing on the organization of the nervous system and the fundamental concepts of membrane potential and electrical signals generated by neurons. It also explores cell-to-cell communication and the integration of neural information transfer, providing a comprehensive overview of the nervous system's functionality.
