The Nervous System

What is the primary role of the Nervous System (NS)?

To send signals throughout the body to maintain homeostasis, control movement, and thoughts.

What are the four main functions of the Nervous System?

Reception of sensory information, receiving special sensations, integration of sensory information, and response generation.

What does reception of general sensory information relate to?

Touch senses.

What are the special sensations that the Nervous System perceives?

Taste, smell, vision, and sounds.

What are the two major categories of functions of the NS?

Somatic functions and autonomic functions.

What are somatic functions?

Voluntary functions that a person can control, like picking up a pencil.

What are autonomic functions?

Involuntary functions that a person cannot control, like heart beating.

What are the two main divisions of the Nervous System?

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

What does the Central Nervous System consist of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the role of the Peripheral Nervous System?

To connect the CNS to the rest of the body through nerves.

What are the three general functions of the NS?

Sensory Input, Integration, and Motor Output.

What is sensory input?

Information gathered through sensory systems such as vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

What does integration refer to in the context of the NS?

The process of interpreting sensory input to make a decision.

What is motor output?

The response carried out by effector organs like muscles and glands.

What is the pathway of a nerve impulse?

Sensory receptor; sensory neuron; interneuron; another interneuron; motor neuron; effector.

What is the function of a sensory receptor?

To monitor changes inside and outside the body.

What is the role of sensory neurons?

To activate and transmit sensory input from the environment.

What is an interneuron?

A neuron that transmits impulses between other neurons, especially as part of a reflex arc.

What is a reflex arc?

A neural pathway that controls reflex actions.

What is the function of a motor neuron?

To send commands from the brain to muscles to enable movement.

What is an effector in the Nervous System?

A cell that reacts in response to stimuli.

What are the meniges?

The protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

What is the function of the Dura Mater?

To cover and protect the brain and spinal cord as the tough outer layer.

What does the Arachnoid Mater do?

Acts as a thin, transparent membrane surrounding the spinal cord.

What is the Pia Mater?

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

What are the two divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Parasympathetic Division and Sympathetic Division.

What does the Parasympathetic Division do?

Operates under normal conditions.

What is the role of the Sympathetic Division?

Operates under stressful or fearful conditions.

What is the largest portion of the brain?

Cerebrum.

What functions does the Diencephalon serve?

Processes sensory input.

What is the function of the Cerebellum?

Coordinates muscle activity and balance.

What is the role of the Brain Stem?

Regulates actions of internal organs and maintains internal stability.

What is the Corpus Callosum?

Connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum.

What are gyri and sulci?

Gyri are the raised areas and sulci are the grooves in the brain that increase surface area.

What are the ventricles in the brain?

Cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

What is the cerebral cortex?

The outer layer of the cerebrum made of gray matter.

What is the role of the Thalamus?

Directs sensory information to the correct location.

What does the Hypothalamus maintain?

Homeostasis.

What is the Limbic System responsible for?

Controls emotional experiences.

What is the function of the Pituitary Gland?

Acts as the master gland of the body and produces hormones.

What are the four lobes of the brain?

Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, and Occipital.

What does the sensory oracle do?

Interprets sensory input (sensations).

What is the role of the association area in the brain?

Analyzes and interprets sensory input.

What are the main regions of the Brain Stem?

Midbrain, Pons, and Medulla Oblongata.

What does the Medulla Oblongata control?

Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

What is the responsibility of the right side of the brain?

Includes decision making, art, and controls the left side of the body.

What functions does the left side of the brain primarily handle?

Analyzing, sequencing, and controlling the right side of the body.

What is Broca’s Area responsible for?

Forming sentences and speaking.

What does Wernicke’s Area do?

Handles understanding of sentences.

What part of the brain controls balance and coordinates muscular activity?

Cerebellum.

What does the right motor cortex do?

Moves the left side of the body.

What does the left sensory cortex do?

Detects sensation in the right side of the body.