Nervous system

Question 1

Central nervous system

Answer 1

The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for processing and coordinating sensory information, controlling motor movements and behaviors, and regulating bodily functions.

Question 2

Peripheral nervous system:

Answer 2

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. Its primary function is to connect the CNS to the limbs and organs.

Question 3

Sensory neurons

Answer 3

Sensory neurons are neurons that detect sensory information from the environment and transmit it to the central nervous system. This information can include light, sound, touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.

Question 4

Motor neurons:

Answer 4

Motor neurons are neurons that transmit signals from the CNS to the muscles and glands, causing them to contract or secrete substances.

Question 5

Somatic nervous system

Answer 5

The somatic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system. It is responsible for controlling the skeletal muscles, providing voluntary control of body movements.

Question 6

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 6

The autonomic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system. It is responsible for controlling the involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.

Question 7

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer 7

The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system. It is responsible for activating the body’s fight-or-flight response during a stressful or dangerous situation.

Question 8

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 8

The parasympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system. It is responsible for controlling the body’s homeostatic functions and for calming the body in times of rest or relaxation.

Question 9

Cerebrum

Answer 9

The cerebrum is the largest part of the human brain and is located at the top and front of the brain. It is responsible for higher functions such as thought, language, and voluntary movement.

Question 10

Diencephalon

Answer 10

The diencephalon is located beneath the cerebrum and consists of the thalamus and hypothalamus. It helps to regulate a variety of functions such as hormone release, sleep and wake cycles, and emotions.

Question 11

Thalamus

Answer 11

The thalamus is located within the diencephalon and is responsible for relaying information between the cerebrum and other parts of the brain. It also helps to regulate sleep, mood, and consciousness.

Question 12

Hypothalamus

Answer 12

The hypothalamus is located within the diencephalon and is responsible for regulating homeostasis, including body temperature, hunger, thirst, and hormone release.

Question 13

Brain stem

Answer 13

The brain stem is located at the base of the brain and connects the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for basic functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and digestion.

Question 14

Midbrain

Answer 14

The midbrain is located between the diencephalon and the brain stem. It is responsible for regulating vision and hearing, as well as motor control.

Question 15

Pons

Answer 15

The pons is located beneath the midbrain and is responsible for connecting the brain stem to the cerebellum. It is also involved in breathing, sleep, and facial expressions.

Question 16

Medulla oblongata

Answer 16

The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brain stem and is responsible for controlling autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

Question 17

Cerebellum

Answer 17

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and is responsible for motor control, coordination, and balance.

Question 18

Neurons and Glia

Answer 18

Location: Neurons are located throughout the central nervous system (CNS), while glia are found throughout both the CNS and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Structure: Neurons are highly specialized cells, with distinct structures including a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Glia are smaller, more supportive cells with fewer distinct structures, such as a nucleus and cytoplasm.
Function: Neurons are responsible for sending signals throughout the nervous system, while glia provide support and protection to neurons.

Question 19

Nerves and Tracts:

Answer 19

Location: Nerves are found in the PNS, while tracts are found in the CNS.
Structure: Nerves are bundles of axons, while tracts are bundles of axons running in the same direction.
Function: Nerves are responsible for transmitting signals from the CNS to the PNS, while tracts are responsible for transmitting signals within the CNS.

Question 20

White Matter and Nerves:

Answer 20

Location: White matter is found in the CNS, while nerves are found in the PNS.
Structure: White matter consists of bundles of myelinated axons, while nerves are bundles of axons.
Function: White matter is responsible for transmitting signals within the CNS, while nerves are responsible for transmitting signals from the CNS to the PNS.

Question 21

White Matter and Gray Matter:

Answer 21

Location: White matter is found in the CNS, while gray matter is found in the CNS and PNS.
Structure: White matter consists of bundles of myelinated axons, while gray matter consists of cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.
Function: White matter is responsible for transmitting signals within the CNS, while gray matter is responsible for processing and integrating information.

Question 22

Nerves and Ganglia

Answer 22

Location: Nerves are found in the PNS, while ganglia are found in the PNS and CNS.
Structure: Nerves are bundles of axons, while ganglia are clusters of neuron cell bodies.
Function: Nerves are responsible for transmitting signals from the CNS to the PNS, while ganglia are responsible for integrating and processing information.

Question 23

Ganglia and Gray Matter:

Answer 23

Location: Ganglia are found in the PNS and CNS, while gray matter is found in the CNS and PNS.
Structure: Ganglia are clusters of neuron cell bodies, while gray matter consists of cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.
Function: Ganglia are responsible for integrating and processing information, while gray matter is responsible for processing and integrating information.

Question 24

What are the names of the three meninges, and where are they located?

Answer 24

The three meninges are the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They are located in the skull and cover the brain and spinal cord.

Question 25

What are the names of the four ventricles, and where are they located?

Answer 25

The four ventricles are the two lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle. The lateral ventricles are located in the left and right cerebral hemispheres, the third ventricle is located in the diencephalon, and the fourth ventricle is located in the brainstem.

Question 26

Describe the resting membrane potential of a neuron and explain how it is maintained.

Answer 26

The resting membrane potential of a neuron is like a tiny electrical charge that exists across its cell membrane when it’s not sending signals. It’s maintained by special proteins called ion pumps, like the sodium-potassium pump, which use energy to push ions in and out of the neuron, creating a difference in ion concentration and electrical charge. This allows the neuron to be ready to send signals when needed, and it’s crucial for its proper functioning in transmitting information in the brain and nervous system.

Question 27

Describe the gating mechanism of ligand-gated, voltage-gated, mechanically-gated and leakage ion channels.

Answer 27

Gated ion channels open and close in response to certain stimuli. Ligand-gated channels open when a specific chemical or neurotransmitter binds to them. Voltage-gated channels open when the membrane potential reaches a certain level. Mechanically-gated channels open when pressure or tension is applied to the membrane. Finally, leakage channels remain open at all times, allowing for small amounts of ions to flow across the membrane.

Question 28

What is the typical resting membrane potential of an animal cell, and what factors contribute to it?

Answer 28

The typical resting membrane potential of an animal cell is around -70 mV. This is maintained as a result of the small, selective permeability of the cell membrane, as well as the concentration gradients of various ions across the membrane. The concentration gradient of potassium ions (K+) is the

Question 29

Explain the process of neurotransmission, and name three different neurotransmitters.

Answer 29

Neurotransmission is the process of communication between neurons in the brain. It occurs when a neuron releases a chemical messenger called a neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft, which then binds to receptors on a neighboring neuron to produce an electrical signal. Three common neurotransmitters are dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.

Question 30

Describe the components of a reflex arc.

Answer 30

1. Receptor: This is the sensory nerve ending which detects a stimulus.
2. Sensory neuron: This is the nerve cell that carries the signal from the receptor to the central nervous system.
3. Integration center: This is usually located in the spinal cord or brain. It is where the sensory input is analyzed, and an appropriate response is determined.
4. Motor neuron: This is the nerve cell that carries the signal from the integration center to the effector.
5. Effector: This is the muscle or gland which produces the response to the stimulus

Question 31

How does a reflex arc work.

Answer 31

A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex. It begins with a stimulus, which is detected by a receptor. This signal is then sent to the spinal cord or to the brain, where the signal is processed. The signal is then sent to an effector, which produces a response. This response is then sent back to the receptor, creating a feedback loop.