Biology I - Nervous System - Functions of the nervous system

Q: Why do both cranial and spinal nerves contribute to basic nervous system functions?

A: Cranial nerves serve head/neck; spinal nerves serve limbs/trunk. together they handle movement, sensation, and autonomic control.

Q: A patient with facial paralysis and lost facial sensation likely has damage to which system and nerves?

A: Peripheral nervous system, specifically cranial nerves.

Q: How do motor neurons contribute to posture maintenance without conscious thought?

A: Constant, low-level skeletal muscle contraction regulated by motor output.

Q: Why would a spinal cord injury affect both movement and pain sensation?

A: It disrupts motor and sensory pathways in the CNS.

Q: Which sensory modalities help you stand upright with eyes closed?

A: Proprioception, vestibular input, and tactile feedback.

Q: A patient can move but feels no pain or temperature. What neuron type is likely damaged?

A: Sensory (afferent) neurons; pain/temp pathways disrupted.

Q: Why do autonomic functions continue during sleep or coma?

A: Controlled by lower brain centers, not dependent on consciousness.

Q: How are automatic functions like digestion and blood pressure regulated without conscious input?

A: Via autonomic nervous system reflexes and brainstem centers.

Q: Cognitive impairment, mood instability, and reduced awareness suggest dysfunction in what level of nervous system function?

A: Higher functions: cognition, emotion, consciousness.

Q: How does prefrontal cortex damage affect higher nervous system function?

A: Impairs executive function: planning, inhibition, decision-making.

Q: Consciousness is poorly understood but likely involves what brain regions?

A: Cortex and reticular formation contribute to awareness and arousal.

Q: Why are syndromes useful in neurology?

A: They link symptoms to specific brain regions or functional disruptions.