Nervous System Overview (AI Generated) Flashcards
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
To coordinate and control body activities by transmitting signals between different parts of the body.
True or False: The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
True
What are the two main components of the central nervous system (CNS)?
The brain and the spinal cord.
Fill in the blank: The _______ nervous system includes all the nerves outside the CNS.
Peripheral
What type of cells are the basic building blocks of the nervous system?
Neurons
What is the role of glial cells?
To support and protect neurons.
Multiple Choice: Which part of the neuron receives signals? A) Axon B) Dendrites C) Synapse D) Myelin
B) Dendrites
What is the function of the myelin sheath?
To insulate axons and increase the speed of nerve impulse transmission.
True or False: The autonomic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system.
True
What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and parasympathetic.
Fill in the blank: The _______ nervous system prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’ responses.
Sympathetic
Short Answer: What is a synapse?
A junction between two neurons where signals are transmitted.
Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in mood regulation? A) Dopamine B) Serotonin C) Acetylcholine D) Norepinephrine
B) Serotonin
What is the role of the spinal cord?
To transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body and to coordinate reflexes.
True or False: Reflex actions are processed by the brain.
False
What is the function of sensory neurons?
To carry information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
What do motor neurons do?
They transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.
Fill in the blank: The _______ nervous system controls voluntary movements.
Somatic
What part of the brain is responsible for coordination and balance?
Cerebellum
Multiple Choice: Which lobe of the brain is responsible for processing visual information? A) Frontal B) Parietal C) Occipital D) Temporal
C) Occipital
True or False: The brain stem controls basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate.
True
What is the primary role of the thalamus?
To act as a relay station for sensory information.
Fill in the blank: The _______ lobe is involved in decision-making and problem-solving.
Frontal
What is neuroplasticity?
The ability of the nervous system to change its structure and function in response to experience.
Multiple Choice: Which condition is characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons? A) Alzheimer’s B) Parkinson’s C) Multiple Sclerosis D) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
D) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
True or False: The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from certain substances in the blood.
True
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
To regulate homeostasis and control the endocrine system.
Fill in the blank: The _______ system is responsible for the body’s response to stress.
Endocrine
What is the primary function of the corpus callosum?
To connect the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Multiple Choice: Which disorder is characterized by the loss of memory and cognitive function? A) Epilepsy B) Stroke C) Alzheimer’s D) Huntington’s
C) Alzheimer’s
True or False: The peripheral nervous system can regenerate after injury.
True
What are the three main parts of a neuron?
Cell body, dendrites, and axon.
Fill in the blank: Neurotransmitters are released from the _______ of a neuron.
Axon terminals
What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
To control voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
Multiple Choice: Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for memory? A) Hippocampus B) Amygdala C) Cerebellum D) Medulla
A) Hippocampus
True or False: The autonomic nervous system operates under voluntary control.
False
What is a reflex arc?
The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.
Fill in the blank: The _______ nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions.
Autonomic
What is the role of the amygdala?
To process emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.
Multiple Choice: Which type of glial cell is responsible for myelination in the CNS? A) Astrocytes B) Oligodendrocytes C) Microglia D) Ependymal cells
B) Oligodendrocytes
True or False: The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column.
True
What is the primary role of the sensory cortex?
To process sensory information from the body.
Fill in the blank: The _______ system is involved in the body’s fight or flight response.
Sympathetic
What is the function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
To promote ‘rest and digest’ activities.
Multiple Choice: Which neurotransmitter is involved in muscle contraction? A) Norepinephrine B) Acetylcholine C) Serotonin D) GABA
B) Acetylcholine
True or False: The brain is divided into two hemispheres.
True
What are the major divisions of the peripheral nervous system?
Somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the part of the brain that controls vital functions such as heart rate and respiration.
Brainstem
