Nervous Tissue Lecture 1

Question 1

Neurology

Answer 1

Definition: The study of the nervous system.
Example: Researching brain functions falls under the realm of neurology.

Question 2

Neurologist

Answer 2

A medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system.

Question 3

Main Roles of the Nervous System

Answer 3

1. Sense, interpret, and respond to
   stimuli
2. Initiates movement and gland
   secretion
3. Produces thoughts, emotions, and
   memories

Question 4

Sensory Function

Answer 4

Definition: Involves detecting external or internal stimuli and transmitting signals towards the central nervous system.

Utilizes afferent (sensory) neurons

Question 5

Integrative Function

Answer 5

Definition: Processing incoming signals from afferent neurons and determining the appropriate response.

Utilizes interneurons

Question 6

Motor Function

Answer 6

Definition: Involves transmitting commands from the central nervous system to effectors like muscles and glands.

Utilizes efferent (motor) neurons

Question 7

Afferent Neurons

Answer 7

Definition: Neurons that carry signals towards the central nervous system.

Question 8

Interneurons

Answer 8

Neurons located within the brain and spinal cord that facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons.

Question 9

Efferent Neurons

Answer 9

Neurons that carry signals away from the central nervous system to effectors like muscles and glands.

Question 10

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Answer 10

The division of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord.

Question 11

Importance of the Brain

Answer 11

• The brain is situated within the cranial cavity, protected by the skull.
• The brain is one of the most vital organs for survival

Question 12

Layers of Brain Protection

Answer 12

Three layers of protection: cranial bones, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Question 13

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Answer 13

Fluid similar in composition to blood plasma, providing buoyancy and protection for the brain and spinal cord.

Question 14

Division of the Cerebrum

Answer 14

The cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, is divided into two hemispheres: left and right.

The RIGHT side receives
information from and controls the LEFT side of
the body (and vice versa)
* Not always true

Question 15

Correlation of Brain Size with Intelligence

Answer 15

Brain size alone is not necessarily correlated with intelligence or complexity.

Question 16

Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

Answer 16

Part of the central nervous system that extends from the brain to the lower back.

Question 17

Starting and Ending Points

Answer 17

Begins at the foramen magnum (opening at the base of the skull) and ends at the level of the L1/L2 vertebrae.

Question 18

Location within the Vertebral Column

Answer 18

Located within the vertebral canal, a hollow space formed by the vertebral column

Question 19

Internal Structure of the Spinal Cord

Answer 19

Consists of internal gray matter and external white matter.

Question 20

Ascending Tracts

Answer 20

Bundles of nerve fibers in the spinal cord that carry sensory information towards the brain

Question 21

Descending Tracts

Answer 21

Nerve pathways that carry motor commands from the brain to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves

Question 22

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Answer 22

Consists of all nervous tissue outside the central nervous system (CNS), including nerves and sensory receptors.

Question 23

Spinal Nerves

Answer 23

Nerves that exit directly from the spinal cord and carry both sensory and motor information.

Question 24

Cranial Nerves

Answer 24

Nerves that exit directly from the brain or brainstem and carry sensory and motor information.

Question 25

Sensory and Motor Neurons

Answer 25

• Sensory neurons transmit sensory inputs towards the CNS
• Motor neurons carry information away from the CNS to effector organs.

Question 26

Somatic Nervous System

Answer 26

Part of the PNS responsible for voluntary motor control of skeletal muscles and processing sensory information.

Question 27

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Answer 27

Controls involuntary functions of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands, regulating activities like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Question 28

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

Answer 28

Division of the ANS responsible for the “fight or flight” response, activating physiological changes to prepare the body for action.

Question 29

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS)

Answer 29

Division of the ANS that promotes “rest and digest” activities, conserving energy and restoring the body to a calm state after stress.

Question 30

Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

Answer 30

A division of the PNS that controls gastrointestinal function independently of the CNS, regulating processes like digestion and gut motility.

Question 31

Neurons

Answer 31

Specialized cells of the nervous system responsible for transmitting nerve impulses.

Question 32

Neuroglia

Answer 32

Supportive cells of the nervous system that provide structural support and insulation for neurons.

Question 33

Anatomy of a Neuron

Answer 33

Cell body (perikaryon)
Dendrites: Receive input from other neurons or sensory receptors.
Axons: Conduct action potentials away from the cell body.
Axon hillock: Area where the axon joins the cell body.
Axon terminals: Endings of axons where neurotransmitters are released.

Question 34

Nissl Bodies

Answer 34

Large granular bodies found within the neuronal cell body consisting of rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 35

Synapse

Answer 35

Connection between two neurons or between a neuron and an effector.

Question 36

Unipolar (Pseudounipolar) Neurons

Answer 36

Dendrites and one axon are fused together to form a continuous process emerging from the nerve cell body

Question 37

Bipolar Neurons

Answer 37

Characterized by having one axon and one main dendrite.

Question 38

Multipolar Neurons

Answer 38

Typically possess multiple dendrites and one axon.

Question 39

Purkinje Neurons

Answer 39

Neurons with massive, intricately branched, flat dendritic trees found only in the cerebellum.

Question 40

Pyramidal Neurons

Answer 40

Neurons with a pyramidal cell body found only in the cerebral cortex.