The nervous system: Anatomy and Physiology

Question 1

What is the nervous system?

Answer 1

Is perhaps the most complex organ in body

Question 2

How is it divided into two main portions?

Answer 2

Central nervous system
and
Peripheral nervous system

Question 3

What is the central nervous system?

Answer 3

the brain and spinal cord

a. The brain is the controlling organ of the body.

Question 4

Cerebrum

Answer 4

a) Largest part of the brain

(b) Four lobes, each responsible for a specific function such as hearing, balance, and speech

Question 5

Cerebellum

Answer 5

Coordinates body movements

Question 6

Brain Stem

Answer 6

Controls body functions necessary for life, including cardiac and respiratory functions and regulation of consciousness

Question 7

Spinal Cord

Answer 7

The spinal cord is an extension of the brain.

i. Transmits messages between the brain and the body
ii. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Question 8

What is peripheral nervous system?

Answer 8

a. Links the CNS to the various organs of the body
b. Divided into two parts:
i. Somatic nervous system (voluntary)
(a) Transmits signals from the brain to voluntary muscles
(b) Allows for activities such as walking, talking, and writing
ii. Autonomic nervous system (involuntary)
(a) Controls involuntary actions necessary for basic body functions such as digestion, dilation, and constriction of blood vessels

Question 9

What are the two types of nerves within the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 9

Sensory nerves carry information from the body to the CNS.

ii. Motor nerves carry information from the CNS to the muscles