The Nervous System

What are the two main parts of the nervous system?

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

What does the Sensory (Afferent) Division do?

Carries impulses to the CNS from nerve endings.

What is the function of the Motor (Efferent) Division?

Carries impulses from the CNS to nerve endings.

What type of activities does the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) control?

Automatic activities like blood pressure and heart rate.

What is a neuron?

An excitable impulse-conducting cell.

What does the cell body of a neuron contain?

The nucleus and serves as the control center of the neuron.

What is the function of the dendrite in a neuron?

Receives signals and transmits them to the cell body.

What is the role of the axon?

Conducts impulses away from the cell body.

What is myelin and its function?

An insulating layer around axons that speeds up impulse conduction.

What are the key characteristics of white matter and grey matter?

White matter consists of myelinated axons, while grey matter contains nerve cell bodies and dendrites.

What does the term 'irritability' refer to in nerve physiology?

The ability to respond to stimuli.

What is action potential?

An electrical signal that travels along neurons.

What is the purpose of a reflex arc?

To protect the body through sensory input, processing, and motor output.

What does the hypothalamus regulate?

Body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other homeostatic functions.

Describe the function of the thalamus.

It serves as a connection between the limbic system and other parts of the brain.

What are the layers of the meninges from outside to inside?

Dura Mater, Arachnoid Mater, Pia Mater.

What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its function?

A fluid that cushions and protects the brain, containing water, proteins, electrolytes, and more.

What is the role of the blood-brain barrier?

It protects brain tissue by preventing harmful substances from entering.

What types of nerves are found in the peripheral nervous system?

Sensory nerves, motor nerves, and mixed nerves.

What is the primary neurotransmitter of the Parasympathetic Division?

Acetylcholine.

What are the primary neurotransmitters of the Sympathetic Division?

Norepinephrine and epinephrine.

What is the function of the frontal lobe of the brain?

Voluntary movements, memory, emotion, social judgment, decisions, and reasoning.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?

Optic (II) nerve.

What does the vagus nerve control?

Heart, lung, digestive, and urinary functions.

What is the role of the Olfactory Nerve (I)?

Responsible for the sense of smell.

What is the function of the Facial Nerve (VII)?

Controls facial expressions, taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and secretions of salivary and lacrimal glands.

What does the Vestibulocochlear Nerve (VIII) do?

Responsible for hearing and balance.

What is the function of the Trigeminal Nerve (V)?

Provides sensation to the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

What does the Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX) control?

Taste and other sensations from the posterior third of the tongue, as well as swallowing.

What is the role of the Accessory Nerve (XI)?

Controls the muscles used in head movement and shoulder elevation.

What is the function of the Hypoglossal Nerve (XII)?

Controls tongue movements.

What information does the Oculomotor Nerve (III) provide?

Controls most of the eye's movements, including constriction of the pupil.

What does the Abducens Nerve (VI) control?

Controls lateral movement of the eye.

What is the role of the cerebellum?

Motor functions, sensory, cognitive, and emotional functions. Houses more neurons than the rest of the brain combined.

What function does the brainstem serve?

It controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.

What are the components of the spinal cord?

It consists of grey matter, white matter, and nerve pathways.

How is the autonomic nervous system divided?

Into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

What is synaptic transmission?

The process by which one neuron communicates with another across a synapse.

Define plasticity in the nervous system.

The ability of the nervous system to change and adapt as a result of experience.

What is the role of the basal ganglia?

It is involved in movement regulation and coordination.

What is the function of glial cells?

Support and protect neurons, and maintain homeostasis in the nervous system.

What does the term 'myelination' refer to?

The process of forming a myelin sheath around a nerve to improve signal conduction.

What are central pattern generators?

Neuronal circuits that produce rhythmic output, allowing for repetitive movements.

What is the function of the limbic system?

It is involved in emotions, memory, and motivation.

What are the two types of cells in the nervous system?

Neurons and glial cells.

What is the function of myelin in neurons?

Myelin insulates axons and speeds up signal transmission.

What is the role of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine?

It plays a critical role in transmitting signals in the nervous system and is the primary neurotransmitter for the parasympathetic division.

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?

It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response during stressful situations.

How do reflexes work in the nervous system?

Reflexes operate via a reflex arc that allows for quick responses to stimuli without direct involvement of the brain.

What is the function of the parietal lobe?

It processes sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain.

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

What are sensory receptors?

Specialized cells that detect stimuli from the environment and convert them into neural impulses.

What is the significance of the thalamus?

It acts as a relay station for sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.

What is the role of endorphins in the nervous system?

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that help relieve pain and induce feelings of pleasure.

What are the main functions of the occipital lobe?

It processes visual information, including color, light, and movement.

What is the primary function of the temporal lobe?

It is involved in processing auditory information and is important for memory and emotion.

What does the prefrontal cortex control?

It is responsible for complex behaviors such as planning, decision-making, and social interactions.

What are the structures included in the brainstem?

The midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

What is the function of the insula?

It integrates sensory information and is involved in the perception of bodily states and emotional awareness.

What role does the corpus callosum play in the brain?

It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

What are the basal ganglia involved in?

They are involved in the control of voluntary motor movements and coordination.

What does the cerebellum specifically help with?

It aids in balance and the fine-tuning of movements.

What is the role of Broca's area?

It is involved in language production and speech.

What does Wernicke's area do?

It is responsible for language comprehension.