Nervous System

Question 1

what kinds of messages does the nervous system send?

Answer 1

electrical messages

Question 2

list the 5 functions of the nervous system

Answer 2

1. maintain homeostasis
2. receive sensory input
3. integrating information
4. controlling muscles and glands
5. establishing and maintaining mental activity

Question 3

list and describe the functions of the 2 cell types of the nervous system

Answer 3

1. neuron: transmit signals

2. provide support for neurons

Question 4

describe the general neuron structure

Answer 4

cell body and processes coming off the body

Question 5

what does the cell body of a neuron contain?

Answer 5

the nucleus

Question 6

describe the function of dendrites in a neuron

Answer 6

processes that conduct impulses toward the cell body, receive signals from another cell

Question 7

describe the function of Axons in a neuron

Answer 7

processes that conduct impulses Away from cell body to the next cell

Question 8

describe the myelin sheath of a neuron

Answer 8

a lipid substance which covers most axons and serves as an electrical insulator

Question 9

describe the Nodes of Ranvier in a neuron

Answer 9

spaces between myelin, electrical signal jumps from node to node so it moves quicker

Question 10

what are axons sometimes also called?

Answer 10

neuron fibers or nerve fibers

Question 11

what does the central nervous system contain?

Answer 11

the brain and spinal cord

Question 12

what does the peripheral nervous system contain?

Answer 12

components outside of the brain and spinal cord

Question 13

what is referred to as a nucleus in the central nervous system?

Answer 13

a group of neuron cell bodies

Question 14

what is referred to as a tract in the central nervous system?

Answer 14

a bundle of axons or neuron fibers

Question 15

what is referred to as a ganglion in the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 15

a group of neuron cell bodies

Question 16

what is referred to as a nerve in the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 16

a bundle of axons or neuron fibers

Question 17

what do synapses do in the nervous system?

Answer 17

provide continuity from one neuron to the next

Question 18

what is the relation between axons and dendrites during signalling?

Answer 18

the axon of a neuron meets the dendrite of the next but they do not touch!

Question 19

since the axon of one neuron does not touch the dendrite of the next during signalling, what is the space between them called?

Answer 19

synaptic space

Question 20

what do axons release into the synaptic space during signalling?

Answer 20

neurotransmitters

Question 21

what do neurotransmitters do?

Answer 21

bind to receptors on the dendrite during signalling

Question 22

how does the signal always travel during signalling?

Answer 22

from axon to dendrite

Question 23

how many more neuroglia are there than neurons?

Answer 23

neuroglia outnumber neurons 10 to 1

Question 24

list the 4 types of neuroglial cells

Answer 24

1. olidodendrocytes (CNS)/Schwann cells (PNS)
2. astrocytes
3. ependymal cells
4. microglia

Question 25

describe the location and function of oligodendrocytes/Schwann cells

Answer 25

found around axons, produce the myelin sheath

Question 26

describe the location and function of astrocytes

Answer 26

positioned between blood vessels and neurons, allow for formation of blood-brain barrier

Question 27

describe the location and function of ependymal cells

Answer 27

line parts of the nervous system, produce cerebrospinal fluid

Question 28

describe the cell type, location, and function of microglia

Answer 28

phagocytic cells found throughout the nervous system that protect the nervous system from foreign particles and remove damaged cells

Question 29

list and describe the 2 types of nerves found in the peripheral nervous system

Answer 29

1. cranial nerves: face and neck

2. spinal nerves: rest of body; movement, senses

Question 30

what is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 30

regulates organs

Question 31

list and describe the 3 parts of the autonomic nervous system

Answer 31

1. sympathetic: responds to stresses
2. parasympathetic: responds to nonstresses
3. enteric: controls digestive tract, sympathetic and parasympathetic parts