3.1 Vertebrate Nervous System

Question 1

Describe the Components of the Central Nervous System

Answer 1

Brain and spinal cord. Communicates with sense organs and muscles.

Question 2

Describe the Function of the Different Components of the Peripheral Nervous System

Answer 2

Somatic Nervous System: voluntary muscle movements and sensory info to CNS
Autonomic Nervous System involuntary muscle movements; includes sympathetic nervous system (excitatory) and parasympathetic nervous system (calming; rest and digest)

Question 3

Cranial Nerves

Answer 3

Function in the head and neck controlling involuntary reflexes like breathing, heart rate, sneezing, etc. (except for vagus nerve)

Question 4

Vagus Nerve

Answer 4

Runs from brain to small intestine connecting all major organs

Question 5

White Matter

Answer 5

Surrounds grey matter. Consists of axons used to send information from grey matter to the rest of the body and brain.

Question 6

Grey Matter

Answer 6

Center of spinal cord. Consists of cell bodies and dendrites.

Question 7

Ventral Roots

Answer 7

Transmit motor information

Question 8

Dorsal Roots

Answer 8

Transmit sensory information