AP EXAM 4 Review

What is the primary function of the sensory division of the nervous system?

To detect environmental stimuli and internal body conditions.

What is the role of the integration process in the CNS?

To interpret sensory information and determine appropriate responses.

What are effectors in the context of the nervous system?

Muscles and glands that execute actions in response to interpreted signals.

What does homeostasis refer to in the nervous system?

The maintenance of a stable internal environment.

What are the two main components of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the dura mater?

The outermost protective layer of the CNS.

What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

To provide cushioning, nutrient transport, and waste removal for the brain and spinal cord.

What are the two main divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

The sensory division and motor division.

What type of neurons transmit sensory information from receptors to the CNS?

Sensory neurons.

What is the function of the somatic nervous system?

To control voluntary movements.

What division of the autonomic nervous system encourages 'rest and digest' responses?

Parasympathetic division.

What do multipolar neurons primarily function as?

Motor neurons and interneurons.

What is the mechanism of generating an action potential?

The unequal distribution of ions across the neuronal membrane.

What happens during depolarization of a neuron?

Sodium ions rush into the cell, making the inside more positively charged.

What is characterized by the summative nature of neural signaling?

Multiple signals can influence whether a neuron will fire an action potential.

What role do action potentials play at the synapse?

They trigger the release of neurotransmitters.

What is GABA and its primary function in the CNS?

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.

What neurotransmitter is crucial for muscle activation?

Acetylcholine (ACh).

What initiates the action potential in a neuron?

The reaching of the threshold potential due to sufficient stimulation.

What is the primary function of the cerebrum?

Higher cognitive functions and voluntary motor control.

What are the three layers of meninges surrounding the CNS?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.

What is the primary role of astrocytes in the CNS?

To maintain the blood-brain barrier and supply nutrients to neurons.

What is the structure of the spinal cord composed of?

White matter (myelinated axons) and gray matter (neuron cell bodies).

What type of receptors are responsible for detecting pain?

Nociceptors.

What is the primary visual cortex responsible for?

Processing visual stimuli.

What condition is characterized by distorted vision?

Astigmatism.

What are the two types of photoreceptors in the retina?

Rods and cones.

How does sound travel through the auditory system?

Sound waves vibrate the tympanic membrane, which subsequently vibrates the auditory ossicles.

What is the function of the cochlea?

Responsible for hearing.

What part of the ear is primarily responsible for maintaining balance?

The vestibule and semicircular canals of the inner ear.

What is the role of the olfactory nerves?

To detect chemical stimuli for the sense of smell.

What are the five taste sensations?

Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami.

What is the significance of the optic disc in the retina?

It is the blind spot where no photoreceptors are located.

What is the role of the round window in the auditory system?

Allows the exit of acoustic waves from the inner ear.

What is adaptation in the context of sensation?

The gradual reduction in sensitivity to stimuli after prolonged exposure.

What process allows for the perception of touch and pressure?

Mechanoreception.

What is the function of the accessory nerve (XI)?

Shoulder elevation and head rotation.

What comprises the spinal nerves typically classified as mixed nerves?

Both sensory and motor fibers.

What does the term 'saltatory conduction' refer to?

The propagation of action potential by jumping from one node of Ranvier to another.

What is the primary role of the prefrontal cortex?

Engaged in complex behaviors such as planning and decision-making.

What is proprioception?

The sense of body position and movement.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for vision?

Optic nerve (II).

What does the spinal cord consist of in terms of gray and white matter?

Gray matter contains unmyelinated axons and neuron cell bodies, while white matter contains myelinated axons.

What type of receptors detect temperature changes?

Thermoreceptors.

What is the brachial plexus responsible for?

Supplying the upper limb.

What neurotransmitter plays a key role in learning and memory?

Acetylcholine (ACh).

What is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS?

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid).

What is the significance of the dura mater?

It is a tough outer protective layer of the CNS.

What is the role of the ciliary body?

Produces aqueous humor and changes the shape of the lens.

What causes hyperpolarization in a neuron?

Increased flow of potassium ions out of the cell.

What is the function of the tympanic membrane?

It vibrates in response to sound, marking the boundary between the outer and middle ear.

What are the types of cranial nerves?

Sensory, motor, or mixed.

What structures are responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Ependymal cells in the choroid plexuses.

What does the term 'afferent fibers' refer to?

Fibers that carry sensory information to the CNS.

What role do schwann cells play in the PNS?

They are responsible for myelination of peripheral axons.

What is the primary function of the vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)?

Responsible for hearing and balance.

What are the major components of the brainstem?

Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

What is the function of the thalamus?

Relays and routes most sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

What condition is characterized by nearsightedness?

Myopia.

What does the parasympathetic division generally promote?

Rest and conservation of energy.

What is the function of the lateral rectus muscle?

Eye movement (abduction).

What is the primary role of the temporal lobe?

Involved in auditory perception and memory.

What is the process by which sound is detected called?

Mechanoreception.

What is the significance of the fovea centralis in vision?

It is responsible for sharp central vision and color perception.

What are the main types of mechanoreceptors associated with touch?

Tactile corpuscles and lamellated corpuscles.

What structure absorbs excess light not caught by the retina?

Choroid coat.

What is the primary motor cortex responsible for?

Voluntary movement control.

What does the term 'voluntary' refer to in the nervous system?

Movements that are under conscious control.

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

Regulating homeostatic controls and connecting the endocrine system to the CNS.

What are the major functions of white matter in the CNS?

Facilitating communication between different brain regions.

What type of cells are the hair cells in the cochlea?

Sensory receptors for sound.

What neural structures are involved in the reflex arc?

Sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

What does the term 'depolarization' imply in neuron function?

The membrane potential becomes less negative due to sodium influx.

What does the axon of a neuron do?

Transmits neural impulses to other cells.

What is the primary risk of uncontrolled neural excitation?

Excitotoxicity and neuronal damage.

What types of sensory input do general sensory neurons convey?

Pain, touch, temperature, and proprioception.

What is the primary structure that protects the brain?

The skull and meninges.

What is an example of an involuntary response regulated by the nervous system?

Reflex actions.

What feedback mechanisms inhibit neuronal firing?

The release of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA.

What do lamellated corpuscles detect?

Deep pressure and vibrations.

What role does the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system play?

Prepares the body for stressful situations.

What is the primary role of the occipital lobe?

Visual processing.

What is the primary function of the medulla oblongata?

Regulating autonomic functions such as heart rate and breathing.

What is the effect of GABA binding to its receptors?

It typically leads to hyperpolarization of the neuron.

What do unipolar neurons primarily function in?

Sensory pathways for touch and pain.

What is the main difference between afferent and efferent pathways?

Afferent pathways carry sensory information to the CNS; efferent pathways carry motor commands from the CNS.

What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.

What is the primary function of the auditory ossicles?

To amplify sound and transmit it to the inner ear.

What does the term 'myelination' refer to?

The process of forming a myelin sheath around a nerve fiber.

What is a reflex arc's primary benefit?

To enable quick responses without involving the brain.

What is lost during the depolarization phase of an action potential?

The negative interior charge of the neuron.

What type of sensory neuron detects the sense of smell?

Bipolar neurons.

What part of the lamp divides the right and left posterior columns in the spinal cord?

Posterior median sulcus.

What are the spinal cord segments?

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

What do the sulci and gyri of the cerebrum increase?

Surface area and functional capacity.

What is the function of the superior oblique muscle?

To allow the eye to look downward and laterally.

What happens when a stimulus exceeds the threshold potential?

An action potential is generated.

What is the function of the olfactory nerve (I)?

Responsible for the sense of smell.

What is the primary function of the optic nerve (II)?

Vision.

What is the function of the oculomotor nerve (III)?

Controls most eye movements, pupil constriction, and maintaining an open eyelid.