NEURO - intro to neural control systems

Question 1

define afferent vs efferent

Answer 1

efferent- away

afferent - towards

Question 2

what are the components of a neurone

Answer 2

axon - sends signals - end of axon - synaptic bouton
cell body - contains the nucleus and other organelles
dendrites - receive signals

Question 3

what is a neural circuit

Answer 3

collection of neurones which work together to produce a specific function

Question 4

what is the overall organisation of the nervous system

Answer 4

CNS - peripheral - sensory (afferent) - motor (efferent) -
autonomic –> somatic
sympathetic –> parasympathetic

Question 5

explain the distinction between somatic and autonomic nervous system

Answer 5

somatic - voluntary movement

autonomic - involuntary movement (organs, glands)

Question 6

what are the main components of the brain

Answer 6

brainstem :
medulla, pons, midbrain
dien cephalon
thalamus and hypothalamus

thalamus - connects signals from the body to the cerebral cortex

Question 7

outline how the CNS communicates with the body

Answer 7

spinal cord is connected to a section of the brain called the brainstem and runs through the spinal canal
cranial nerves exit the brainstem
nerve roots exit the spinal cord to both sides of the body
spinal cord carriers signals back and forth between the brain and the peripheral nerves

Question 8

what is the role of potassium leak channels in nerve signalling

Answer 8

potassium concentration is higher inside the cell than outside
it diffuses through leak channels to the outside of the cell making it negatively charged
potassium is also transported into the cell
generates resting membrane potential

Question 9

outline the process of depolarisation and repolarisation

Answer 9

influx of sodium ions through the opening of sodium channels causing depolarisation
an efflux of potassium ions into the cell causes repolarisation