WEEK 4: Introduction to the nervous system

Question 1

Describe the three steps in the functioning of the nervous system

Answer 1

Sensory Input: sensory receptors monitor changes
Integration: process and interpret information
Motor output: activation of structures that cause effects or a response

Question 2

what is the difference between parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems?

Answer 2

sympathetic: activates ‘flight or fight’ response which prepares the body for any danger coming its way
parasympathetic: calms the body down and returns and maintains all bodily functions at a normal level

Question 3

what is the difference between somatic and visceral structures?

Answer 3

somatic: voluntary eg skeletal muscles
Visceral: involuntary eg heart.

Question 4

what is the difference between afferent and efferent neurons

Answer 4

Afferent: 
- info is carried toward the cns 
- information is from a receptor 
Efferent:
- information carried away from cns to the target organ

Question 5

how many neurons do ascending and descending pathways have?

Answer 5

ascending: 3
Descending: 2

Question 6

describe the ascending pathway

Answer 6

• 2 interneurons in the brain

- GSA receptor in the body (ie to feel pain)

Question 7

describe the descending pathway

Answer 7

• motor neuron (GSE) in the brain (cortex)

- interneuron in the spinal cord

Question 8

describe the function of the axon

Answer 8

the axon arises from the cell body at the axon hillock and is the long slender process which transmits nerve impulses through the body.

Question 9

describe the function of the dendrites

Answer 9

the dendrites provide a large surface area for being the receptive/input region for nerve impulses.

Question 10

name the three different structural classifications of neurons

Answer 10

• multipolar
• bipolar
• unipolar

Question 11

identify in diagram 2 which neuron is multipolar, bipolar and unipolar

Answer 11

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Question 12

annotate diagram 1: ascending and descending neurons

Answer 12

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