7 Questions
What are the two types of cells that make up the nervous system?
Neurons and glia
Which part of the nervous system controls the heart, intestines, and other organs?
Autonomic nervous system
What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?
To trigger a 'fight or flight' response
What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?
To receive information from other neurons
What is the difference between a motor neuron and a sensory neuron?
Motor neurons transmit information to muscles, while sensory neurons are highly sensitive to particular stimuli
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
To control rest and relaxation
What occurs during synaptic activity?
The terminal buttons of a neuron containing a medication or substance 'talk' to the dendritic membrane of the receiving cell
Study Notes
Overview of the Human Nervous System and Neurons
- The human nervous system comprises the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS comprises all the nerves that carry sensory and motor messages to and from other parts of the body.
- The somatic nervous system is a part of the PNS that conveys messages from sense organs to the CNS and from the CNS to muscles.
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls the heart, intestines, and other organs, and has two parts - sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
- The sympathetic nervous system triggers a "fight or flight" response in dangerous situations, while the parasympathetic nervous system controls rest, enjoyment, eating, sleep, and sexual activity.
- Neurons and glia are the two types of cells that make up the nervous system. Neurons are the information processing and transmitting element of the CNS and PNS, while glia serve support functions.
- The adult human brain consists of approximately 86 million neurons and about 360 billion glial cells.
- Neurons have a soma (cell body) and dendrites (branches that receive information), an axon (branch that transmits information), and presynaptic terminals.
- A motor neuron receives excitation through its dendrites and conducts impulses through its soma to a muscle, while a sensory neuron is highly sensitive to particular stimuli.
- Dendrites have synaptic receptors that enable them to receive information from other neurons, and most have dendritic spines that increase the surface area available for a synapse.
- Synaptic activity occurs when a neuron's terminal buttons containing a medication or substance "talk" to the dendritic membrane of the receiving cell, causing an alteration in the dendritic membrane of the receiving cell to enable the transmission of the substance.
- The soma contains the nucleus, ribosomes, and mitochondria, where the neuron's metabolism takes place, and is covered by synapses like dendrites.
Test your knowledge about the human nervous system and neurons with this informative quiz! From understanding the different parts of the nervous system to learning about the functions of neurons and glia, this quiz covers it all. See how much you know about the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, and discover the different types of neurons and their roles in the body. Challenge yourself with questions about synaptic activity and dendritic spines, and learn about the fascinating world of neural communication. Whether you're a biology student or
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