anatomy2

What are the two main structural components of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

What are the functions of the somatic nervous system?

Involved in voluntary control of skeletal muscles.

What does the autonomic nervous system control?

Controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

What is the function of the afferent division of the nervous system?

Carries sensory information from sensory receptors to the CNS.

What role do efferent neurons play in the nervous system?

They carry impulses away from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Define neuroglia.

Non-neuronal cells that support and maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and protect neurons.

What are the main structures of a neuron?

Cell body, dendrites, axon, axon terminals, myelin sheath, and node of Ranvier.

Describe the function of sensory neurons.

They carry impulses from sensory receptors to the CNS.

What is the process that occurs during depolarization in an action potential?

The membrane depolarizes as sodium channels open, allowing sodium to diffuse into the neuron.

What are the five elements of a reflex arc?

Sensory receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector organ.

Differentiate between white matter and gray matter.

White matter is composed of myelinated axons and is responsible for signal transmission; gray matter is composed of unmyelinated fibers and cell bodies where processing of information occurs.

What are the functions of the cerebral hemispheres?

Motor control, sensory processing, higher cognitive functions, perception, emotional and social processing, spatial awareness.

What structures make up the diencephalon?

Thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and subthalamus.

What is the function of the thalamus?

It acts as a relay center of the brain and regulates sleep.

Describe the function of the cerebellum.

Processes information from the cerebral motor cortex and provides instructions for balance and posture.

How is cerebrospinal fluid formed?

It is formed in the choroid plexus from capillaries within the brain's ventricles.

What is the role of cranial nerves?

They control functions mainly in the head and neck, including sensory and motor activities.

What are the functions of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stress or emergencies.

What is the function of the parasympathetic division?

It conserves energy and maintains daily necessary body functions, known as 'rest and digest.'

What is the main function of eyelids and eyelashes?

They protect the eye from debris and help keep it moist.

What are the three layers of the eyeball?

Fibrous layer, vascular layer, and sensory layer.

What role do rods and cones play in vision?

Rods allow for vision in dim light and peripheral vision; cones allow for detailed color vision.

What is the purpose of the photopupillary reflex?

To constrict the pupils in response to bright light.

Where are olfactory receptors located?

In the nasal cavity.

What are gustatory cells and where are they found?

Taste receptors located on the tongue and soft palate.

Where are equilibrium receptors located?

In the inner ear, specifically the vestibular system.