Brain Structure and Function

For Exam 4

which of the following are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

Central and Peripheral

What is the primary function of the central nervous system (CNS)?

process and interpret sensory information

Which structure is part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Cranial Nerves

What type of neuron carries signals from sensory receptors to the CNS?

sensory neuron

which neurons are responsible for connecting sensory and motor neurons?

interneurons

what is the main function of motor neurons?

Transmits signals to muscles

which of the following is a general sense?

Touch

which sense is not considered a special sense?

touch

how do reflexes differ from voluntary movements?

reflexes do not involve the brain

what is the function of the cerebellum?

controls voluntary movements and thought

what brain structure relays sensory information to the cerebrum?

thalamus

which brain structure regulates homeostasis and endocrine functions?

hypothalamus

the cerebellum is primarily responsible for

coordinating movement and balance

what is the primary function of the brainstem?

regulate involuntary functions like breathing

what is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system?

neuron

which part of the neuron receives incoming signals?

dendrites

what part of the neuron transmits signals away from the cell body?

axon

what substance speeds up electrical impulses along an axon?

myelin sheath

what distinguishes gray matter from white matter?

white matter has myelinated axons

where is gray matter typically found?

surrounding white matter in the brain

what is the first step in generating an action potential?

neuron reaches the threshold potential

During depolarization, what happens to sodium (Na+) channels?

They open allowing Na+ in

what must be reached for action potential to occur?

threshold potential

where does synaptic transmission occur?

at synapse

what is released from the axon terminal to transmit a signal?

neurotransmitters

what structure receives neurotransmitters on the postsynaptic neuron?

dendrites

what happens to neurotransmitters after they bind to receptors ?

they are broken down or reabsorbed