Nervous system

Question 1

What is the function of the Nervous system?

Answer 1

Generation and interpretation of nervous impulses - Swift regulation of body activity by using nerve impulses.

Question 2

What are the TWO main divisions of the Nervous system?

Answer 2

Central & Peripheral

Question 3

What is the main function of the Central NS?

Answer 3

Analysis & storage of sensory information,
Decision making.

Question 4

What is the main function of the Peripheral NS?

Answer 4

Detection of changes/stimuli using receptors in the body.

Question 5

What does the Central NS consist of?

Answer 5

The brain & spine.

Question 6

What does the Peripheral NS consist of?

Answer 6

43 pairs of Cranial & Spinal nerves

Question 7

What are the TWO sub-divisions of the Peripheral NS?

Answer 7

Somatic & Autonomic.

Question 8

What are the TWO sub-divisions of the Autonomic NS?

Answer 8

Sympathetic & Para-sympathetic.

Question 9

What is the difference between an afferent and efferent impulses?

Answer 9

Afferent impulses are sent UP to the CNS by the PNS, while Efferent impulses are sent DOWN to the effector.

Question 10

What are the TWO types of Nervous tissue?

Answer 10

Neurons & Neuroglia.

Question 11

What is a Tract?

Answer 11

A bundle of axons in the CNS.

Question 12

What is a Nerve?

Answer 12

A bundle of axons in the PNS, aswell as connective tissue and blood vessels.

Question 13

What are the FOUR types of Neuroglia?

Answer 13

Astrocytes,
Microglia,
Ependymal cells,
Oligodendrocytes.

Question 14

What is the function of an Astrocyte?

Answer 14

Physical support, brace and anchor of neurons,
Helps form the BBB,
Maintains the chemical environment for the generation of nerve impulses.

Question 15

What is the function of an Microglia?

Answer 15

Functions as a phagocyte in the CNS.

Question 16

What is the function of Ependymal cells?

Answer 16

Assist with production of CSF.
Form an epithelial layer that lines ventricles in the brain & spinal cord.

Question 17

What is the function of Oligodendrocytes?

Answer 17

Formation and maintenance of the Myelin sheath in the CNS.

Question 18

What is the function of the Sympathetic NS?

Answer 18

Responds to emergencies & the need for energy expenditure.

Question 19

What is the function of the Parasympathetic NS?

Answer 19

Restores & conserves body energy. Includes the 3 decreases.

Question 20

What is Dual innervation?

Answer 20

Body organs which receive both sympathetic & parasympathetic impulses.

Question 21

What is the function of a Mechanoreceptor?

Answer 21

Detection of stretch, pressure & touch.

Question 22

What is the function of a Chemoreceptors?

Answer 22

Detects chemical concentrations in the body.

Question 23

What is the function of a Thermoreceptor?

Answer 23

Detects temperature changes within the body.

Question 24

What is the function of a Nociceptor?

Answer 24

Detection of tissue damage & trauma.

Question 25

What is the function of Photoreceptors?

Answer 25

Detection of changes in light. -Only found in the eye

Question 26

What is the function of Osmoreceptors?

Answer 26

Detection of osmotic pressure.

Question 27

What is the function of Proprioceptors?

Answer 27

Detection & sense of orientation of body parts.

Question 28

What is the definition of Sensation?

Answer 28

A conscious awareness of incoming sensory information.

Question 29

What is the definition of Adaptation?

Answer 29

A decrease of perception, even if the stimulus remains constant.

Question 30

What are the THREE neurons involved in pain pathways?

Answer 30

1st order neuron, 2nd order neuron, 3rd order neuron.

Question 31

What is the function of a 1st order neuron?

Answer 31

Carry signals from peripheral NS to the Spinal cord.

Question 32

What is the function of a 2nd order neuron?

Answer 32

Carry signals from the spinal cord to the thalamus.

Question 33

What is the function of a 3rd order neuron?

Answer 33

Carry signals from the Thalamus to the primary somatosensory area.

Question 34

What is the main difference between the Parasympathetic & Sympathetic NS?

Answer 34

The fibres of each division originate at different sites in the body. -Sympathetic are thoracolumbar. -Parasympathetic are Craniosacral.