Lecture 7

Question 1

What are the functions of the Nervous system?

Answer 1

The nervous system is essential for coordinating and controlling the body’s activities

Question 3

What are the functions of the Nervous system?

Answer 3

The nervous system is essential for coordinating and controlling the body’s activities

Question 4

sensory input

Answer 4

This involves gathering information from sensory receptors that monitor changes both inside and outside the body. For example, sensory neurons detect stimuli like temperature, light, and sound, and send this information to the central nervous system (CNS) for processing1

Question 5

integration

Answer 5

The central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, processes and interprets sensory input. It integrates this information to make decisions and coordinate appropriate responses

Question 6

Motor output

Answer 6

After integration, the nervous system sends signals from the CNS to effector organs, such as muscles and glands, to initiate a response. This could be anything from moving a muscle to secreting a hormone. Motor neurons carry these signals to the target organs to execute the response3.

Question 7

Homeostasis regulation

Answer 7

Homeostasis is the process by which biological systems maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This stability is crucial for the survival and proper functioning of organisms. This includes regulating temperature, pH levels, glucose concentration, and other vital conditions1.

Question 8

how is the nervous systen responsible for mental activities and reflex actions

Answer 8

• Mental activities- it is responsible for higher functions such as thinking, memory, learning, and emotions. The brain processes complex information and enables cognitive functions.
• Reflex actions- The nervous system controls reflexes, which are automatic responses to certain stimuli. These reflexes help protect the body from harm, such as pulling your hand away from a hot surface.

-Provides an immediate response when required
-Provide a slower, long-term response when required through stimulation of endocrine system and release of hormones.

Question 9

outline the central nervous system

Answer 9

• Central nervous system- brain and spinal cord
• Peripheral nervous system- all the nerves outside the CNS
• Sensory- carries information from sensory receptors to the CNS
• Motor- transmits signals from the CNS effector organs like the muscles
• Somatic – voluntary movements e.g. walking, talking
• Autonomic nervous system involuntary movements e.g. heart rate, digestion and respiratory rate- this is further divided
• Sympathetic- prepares body for flight or fight response (increases heart rate, releases energy),
• Parasympathetic- rest and digest activities – slows heart rate relaxing sphincter muscles