The Nervous System Overview
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Questions and Answers

What structures are primarily responsible for forming the pia glial barrier?

  • Microglia
  • Oligodendrocytes
  • Ependymal cells
  • Astrocyte foot processes (correct)

Which of the following statements correctly describe the spinal cord anatomy?

  • The conus medullaris is responsible for carrying sensory signals.
  • The central canal serves as an attachment point for the spinal cord to the vertebrae.
  • The cervical enlargement is primarily involved in leg movement.
  • The cauda equina consists of nerve roots below the conus medullaris. (correct)

What is the primary function of nerves in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  • To connect receptors and effectors to the CNS (correct)
  • To filter and adjust sensory input
  • To exclusively conduct motor information to muscles
  • To exclusively carry unmyelinated axons

Which of the following best characterizes mixed nerves?

<p>They contain both sensory and motor information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which segments of the spinal cord are specifically associated with limb innervation?

<p>Lumbar and sacral enlargements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the white matter in the nervous system?

<p>Transmission of nerve signals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the meninges is closest to the nervous tissue?

<p>Pia Mater (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of neural pathways carry signals from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system?

<p>Ascending paths (B), Sensory paths (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as protective wrappings for the nervous system?

<p>Meninges (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are bundles of axons in the central nervous system known as?

<p>Tracts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neural tissue is primarily responsible for supporting and protecting neurons?

<p>Glial cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscle is primarily controlled by the autonomic division of the nervous system?

<p>Cardiac muscle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the meninges?

<p>Carrying nerve impulses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptor is specialized to detect pain stimuli?

<p>Nociceptor (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of baroreceptors?

<p>Sense pressure and stretch (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptor would primarily be involved in detecting changes in limb position?

<p>Proprioceptor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the spinal cord, what does the term 'grey matter' refer to?

<p>The neuronal cell bodies and synapses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT part of the spinal nerve anatomy?

<p>Sensory neuron (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do mechanoreceptors play in the nervous system?

<p>Detect pressure and distortions in membranes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the spinal cord is responsible for conducting sensory information?

<p>Dorsal root (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptors would be classified as exteroceptors?

<p>Nociceptors and thermoreceptors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Central Nervous System?

<p>To control and integrate sensory and motor functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the Nervous System specializes in detecting changes in variables?

<p>Afferent pathways (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do glial cells play in the Nervous System?

<p>Providing structural support and insulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT part of the Peripheral Nervous System?

<p>Spinal cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cerebrospinal fluid?

<p>Protecting and cushioning the brain and spinal cord (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the withdrawal (pain) reflex?

<p>Detection of pain stimulus by receptors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the nervous system, what does integration refer to?

<p>Evaluating and processing sensory information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of receptors in the Nervous System?

<p>They detect stimuli and convey information to the CNS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which space contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

<p>Subarachnoid space (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the choroid plexus in the formation of cerebrospinal fluid?

<p>To filter and adjust blood plasma (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is found in the epidural space?

<p>Fat tissue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'blood-brain barrier' refer to?

<p>A barrier formed by astrocyte foot processes and blood vessel walls (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of cerebrospinal fluid?

<p>Harbors large proportions of blood (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do arachnoid villi play in cerebrospinal fluid circulation?

<p>They act as one-way valves returning CSF to blood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about glial cells is accurate?

<p>They form cellular barriers and support neurons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cerebrospinal fluid contribute to the buoyancy of the brain?

<p>It allows the brain to float and reduces its effective weight (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of gray matter in the spinal cord?

<p>Processing and integrating information through interneurons and synapses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spinal cord is specifically responsible for somatic sensory input?

<p>Dorsal horn (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic of all reflexes?

<p>They maintain homeostasis and involve rapid, predictable responses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component of the reflex arc is responsible for transmitting the response message to the effector?

<p>Efferent path (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of information do the dorsal columns of white matter carry?

<p>Sensory information about fine touch and pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the autonomic motor neurons in the lateral horn?

<p>They receive inputs from autonomic sensory axons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the control center play within the reflex arc?

<p>It integrates sensory information before triggering the motor response (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

<p>The spinal cord acts as a highway for both ascending and descending tracts linking the PNS and CNS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Somatic Division

Part of the nervous system that controls voluntary skeletal muscle movements.

Autonomic Division

Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions like heart rate and digestion.

Gray Matter

Areas in the nervous system rich in neuron cell bodies.

White Matter

Areas in the nervous system mainly composed of myelinated axons.

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Meninges

Three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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Dura Mater

The tough outer layer of the meninges.

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Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, with web-like fibers.

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Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges, adhering directly to the nervous tissue.

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Nervous System's Function

The nervous system regulates, communicates, and responds to changes in the body.

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CNS: Central Nervous System

The CNS is the control center of the nervous system. It consists of the brain and spinal cord.

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PNS: Peripheral Nervous System

The PNS acts as the communication network, linking the CNS to the rest of the body.

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Sensory Role of the Nervous System

The nervous system detects changes in the body's environment (variables) through senses.

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Integration in the Nervous System

The nervous system processes sensory input, makes decisions, and generates commands.

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Response of the Nervous System

The nervous system sends commands to effector organs, causing them to respond to changes.

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Reflex Arc

A reflex arc is a rapid, automatic response to a stimulus.

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Pia Glial Barrier

A barrier formed by astrocytes (a type of glial cell) that lines the pia mater, protecting the central nervous system from harmful substances in the blood.

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Blood Retina Barrier

A barrier similar to the blood-brain barrier, protecting the delicate retina from harmful substances in the blood.

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Central Canal

A fluid-filled channel that runs through the center of the spinal cord, filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and connecting the brain's ventricles to the spinal cord.

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Conus Medullaris

The tapered, cone-shaped end of the spinal cord.

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Cauda Equina

A bundle of nerve roots extending from the conus medullaris, resembling a horse's tail, carrying signals to and from the legs and feet.

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Receptors

Specialized neural tissue that detects stimuli. They can be simple (dendrite ending) or complex.

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Mechanoreceptor

A type of receptor that responds to physical distortion or pressure.

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Baroreceptor

A specific mechanoreceptor that senses changes in pressure (like blood pressure).

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Chemoreceptor

A receptor that detects changes in chemical concentrations.

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Thermoreceptor

A receptor that detects temperature changes.

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Nociceptor

A receptor that detects painful stimuli.

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Proprioceptor

Receptors located in joints and muscles that provide information about body position and movement.

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Dorsal Root Ganglion

A cluster of cell bodies of sensory neurons located in the dorsal root of a spinal nerve.

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Subarachnoid Space

The space between the arachnoid mater and pia mater, which contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

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Epidural Space

The space between the dura mater and the vertebral canal, filled primarily with fat in the spinal cord.

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Subdural Space

A very thin space between the dura mater and arachnoid mater, containing a small amount of fluid that helps maintain their close contact.

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Dural Sinuses

Spaces within the dura mater that contain veins, primarily found in the brain.

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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear, colorless fluid that circulates within the brain and spinal cord, playing a vital role in protecting and nourishing the nervous system.

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Choroid Plexus

A specialized tissue within the ventricles of the brain that produces CSF.

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Arachnoid Villi

Projections of the arachnoid mater that extend into the dural sinuses, allowing CSF to flow back into the bloodstream.

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Blood-Brain Barrier

A protective barrier formed by the blood vessels and astrocytes, regulating the passage of substances from the bloodstream into the brain.

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Dorsal Horn

The part of the gray matter in the spinal cord where somatic sensory axons synapse with interneurons, relaying information from the body to the brain.

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Lateral Horn

The part of the gray matter in the spinal cord involved in autonomic nervous system function, where autonomic sensory axons synapse with interneurons and then with autonomic motor neurons.

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Ventral Horns

The part of the gray matter in the spinal cord where somatic motor neurons receive signals from interneurons, controlling voluntary movements.

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Dorsal Columns

Bundles of axons in the white matter of the spinal cord that carry sensory information related to fine touch and pressure from the body to the brain.

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Reflex

A rapid, involuntary response to a stimulus, often mediated by the spinal cord and involving a reflex arc.

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Study Notes

The Nervous System

  • Function: Regulates and communicates
  • Senses changes in variables
  • Integrates information
  • Sends commands to effector organs
  • Divided into Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

The Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • Function: Control center
  • Consists of brain and spinal cord

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Function: Links to and from the outside
  • Consists of receptors, nerves, ganglia, and motor nerve endings

Terms

  • Gray matter: Group of cell bodies/nuclei (in CNS)
  • White matter: Collection of axons
  • Cortex: Layer in CNS
  • Ganglion: In PNS
  • Pathway: Link
  • Sensory/ascending paths: PNS to CNS
  • Motor/descending paths: CNS to PNS
  • Nerves: Bundles of axons with common function
  • Tracts: Bundles of axons with common origin, function, or destination
  • Columns: Groups of tracts
  • Organs (neural): brain, spinal cord, receptors, nerves.
  • Meninges: Three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
    • Dura mater: Tough outer layer
    • Arachnoid mater: Middle layer with fibers
    • Pia mater: Innermost layer adhering to nervous tissue.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Cushions CNS
  • Glial cells: Support and protect neurons.
  • Cellular barriers: Separate CNS, i.e. blood-brain barrier (BBB)

Neural Tissue Protection and Segregation

  • Bones of vertebral column and skull
  • Meninges
  • Cerebrospinal fluid
  • Gliel Cells
  • Cellular barriers (e.g., blood-brain barrier(BBB))

Meninges

  • Function: protective wrappings, carry nerves and blood vessels, form attachment sites, hold fluids/fat
  • Subarachnoid space: holds CSF
  • Epidural space: holds fat (spinal cord only)
  • Subdural space: contains a small amount of fluid

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

  • Cushions the brain
  • Reduces weight of the brain from 1400g → 50g
  • Provides nutrients to cells lining the circulation path

Choroid Plexus

  • Two cell layer structure
  • filters and adjusts blood plasma
  • CSF circulation: choroid plexus → ventricles (lateral, third, fourth) → SAS → arachnoid villi → dural sinuses (venous blood)

Blood-brain barrier

  • Consists of astrocyte feet processes and blood vessel wall
  • Protects brain from harmful substances
  • Filters nutrients and ions
  • Allows nutrients and ions to pass through 2 layers and adjusted

Anatomy of Spinal Cord & Nerves

  • Longitudinal-section: Overview of spinal cord
  • Cross-section: Detailed view of spinal cord components

Spinal Cord Functions

  • Highway connecting PNS and CNS
  • Integration center for reflexes

Reflex

  • Involuntary response to stimuli with a predictable response and is rapid
  • Innate (inborn) or learned.

Reflex Arc

  • Receptor: detects stimulus
  • Afferent path: sensory neuron carries signal to spinal cord
  • Control center: Interneurons process the signal
  • Efferent path: motor neuron carries command to effector
  • Effector: responds to command (muscle or gland)

Dermatome

  • Area of skin supplied by a single nerve
  • Represents a segmental pattern in the embryo

Plexus

  • Branching and rejoining of nerves
  • Function: ensures info to and from limbs not carried in one path
  • If a nerve is damaged not all function to that body part is lost

Receptors types

  • Mechanoreceptors: respond to membrane distortion
  • Baroreceptors: respond to pressure (stretch)
  • Chemoreceptors: respond to chemical stimuli
  • Thermoreceptors: respond to temperature
  • Nociceptors: respond to pain
  • Interoceptors: internal stimuli
  • Exteroceptors: external stimuli
  • Proprioceptors: body position and movement

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The Nervous System PDF

Description

Explore the fundamental aspects of the nervous system, including its functions and components. This quiz covers the Central Nervous System (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), and essential terminology related to neural structure and function. Test your knowledge on how these systems integrate and communicate vital information.

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