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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of the nervous system?
What is the main function of the nervous system?
Responsible for sensations, mental activity, control of muscles, body viscera, and glands.
What are the two main components of the central nervous system (CNS)?
What are the two main components of the central nervous system (CNS)?
Brain and spinal cord.
Which division of the nervous system controls skeletal muscles?
Which division of the nervous system controls skeletal muscles?
The autonomic nervous system regulates voluntary muscle activity.
The autonomic nervous system regulates voluntary muscle activity.
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The nervous system is mainly composed of the ___, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and sensory receptors.
The nervous system is mainly composed of the ___, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and sensory receptors.
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What type of cells are the functional units of the nervous system?
What type of cells are the functional units of the nervous system?
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Which of the following includes both 'fight or flight' and 'rest and digest' responses?
Which of the following includes both 'fight or flight' and 'rest and digest' responses?
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What structure of the CNS contains a dark layer of cell bodies known as grey matter?
What structure of the CNS contains a dark layer of cell bodies known as grey matter?
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Supporting cells in the nervous system are known as ___ and they cannot generate impulses.
Supporting cells in the nervous system are known as ___ and they cannot generate impulses.
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Study Notes
Overview of the Nervous System
- Functions as the control center for sensations, mental activities, muscle control, and gland regulation.
- Composed of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and sensory receptors.
- Involved in nearly all bodily functions.
Functions of the Nervous System
- Sensory Input: Processes stimuli at both conscious (e.g., pain) and subconscious (e.g., blood pressure) levels via sensory receptors.
- Integration: Analyzes sensory input to initiate appropriate responses.
- Control Mechanism: Regulates muscle activity, visceral functions, and glandular secretions based on integrated sensory information.
Parts and Organization of the Nervous System
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord, protected by bony structures (skull and vertebral column).
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes all nervous tissue outside the CNS, consists of cranial and spinal nerves.
- Neurons are the primary cells that make up the nervous system.
Divisions of the Nervous System
- CNS includes both the brain and spinal cord.
- PNS branches into two main systems:
- Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Controls voluntary skeletal muscle movements.
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Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary functions, divided into:
- Sympathetic Division: Manages "fight or flight" responses.
- Parasympathetic Division: Directs "rest and digest" functions.
Cellular Components of the Nervous System
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Neuron: The fundamental unit of the nervous system, capable of generating and transmitting impulses. Composed of:
- Cell Body (Soma): Contains nucleus and organelles.
- Processes: Neurons can be myelinated (with a myelin sheath) or unmyelinated, featuring dendrites (for input) and an axon (for impulse conduction).
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Supporting Cells (Neuroglia): Provide structural support to neurons, do not generate impulses. Functions include:
- Formation of the blood-brain barrier.
- Myelination in the CNS and through Schwann cells in the PNS.
- Secretion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for protection and cushioning.
Organization of the CNS
- Grey Matter: Area formed by cell bodies in the CNS, typically found on the outer region of the brain and inner region of the spinal cord.
- White Matter: Comprised of myelinated axons, located towards the inside in the brain and outside in the spinal cord.
Brain Structure
- Located in the uppermost part of the nervous system, housed within the cranial cavity.
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Description
Explore the complex functions of the nervous system, which is crucial for sensations, mental activity, and muscle control. This quiz covers the main components such as the brain, spinal cord, and sensory receptors, highlighting their roles in bodily functions. Test your knowledge on how the nervous system operates both at conscious and subconscious levels.
