11: The Nervous System

Question 1

What is the key role of the nervous system?

Answer 1

Maintaining homeostasis in the body

Question 2

What is the functional unit of the nervous system?

Answer 2

Neuron

Question 3

What are bundles of neurons called?

Answer 3

Nerves

Question 4

What does a resting membrane potential establish?

Answer 4

A positive ion charge outside and a negative charge inside the resting neuron

Question 5

What triggers an action potential in a neuron?

Answer 5

Sufficient depolarization to reach the threshold potential of the membrane

Question 6

What must happen before another impulse can be sent in a neuron?

Answer 6

The neuron must repolarize

Question 7

What type of neurons make up the white matter of the human nervous system?

Answer 7

Myelinated neurons

Question 8

What is the function of the myelin sheath on axons?

Answer 8

Allows for faster impulse conduction and protects nerve cells

Question 9

What are the chemicals called that presynaptic neurons release to communicate with postsynaptic neurons?

Answer 9

Neurotransmitters

Question 10

What are the two main divisions of the human nervous system?

Answer 10

Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 11

What does the central nervous system contain?

Answer 11

The brain and spinal cord

Question 12

What is the largest part of the brain?

Answer 12

Cerebrum

Question 13

What does the cerebral cortex represent?

Answer 13

The top layer of the cerebrum

Question 14

What does the peripheral nervous system contain?

Answer 14

Sensory neurons and motor neurons

Question 15

What is the role of sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 15

Transmit information into the central nervous system

Question 16

What is the role of motor neurons in the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 16

Relay neural impulses to the muscles and glands

Question 17

What are the two subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 17

Somatic (largely voluntary) and autonomic (largely involuntary)

Question 18

What is a reflex arc?

Answer 18

Structured to carry out rapid responses that do not involve conscious control

Question 19

What is the function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic system?

Answer 19

Prepares the body for stress

Question 20

What is the function of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic system?

Answer 20

Returns the body to a resting state and operates when the body is resting

Question 21

What are the main components of the central nervous system?

Answer 21

Brain and spinal cord

The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for processing and transmitting neural information.

Question 22

What functions are associated with the central nervous system?

Answer 22

• Emotions
• Intellect
• Personality
• Speech
• Hearing
• Vision

These functions are crucial for human behavior and interaction.

Question 23

What is the process of conduction in neurons?

Answer 23

Polarization, depolarization, and repolarization

This process is essential for the transmission of neural signals.

Question 24

What type of neurons are involved in integration?

Answer 24

Interneurons

Interneurons play a key role in connecting sensory and motor pathways.

Question 25

What does the nervous system maintain?

Answer 25

Homeostasis ## Footnote Homeostasis is the state of steady internal conditions maintained by living organisms.

Question 26

What types of neurons are included in the peripheral nervous system?

Answer 26

* Sensory neurons * Motor neurons ## Footnote The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the limbs and organs.

Question 27

What is the somatic nervous system responsible for?

Answer 27

Voluntary control ## Footnote The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Question 28

What is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?

Answer 28

Involuntary control ## Footnote The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary body functions.

Question 29

What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

Answer 29

Prepares the body systems for stress ## Footnote The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the 'fight or flight' system.

Question 30

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

Answer 30

Calms the body systems, returning them to rest ## Footnote The parasympathetic nervous system is sometimes called the 'rest and digest' system.

Question 31

What is the role of the nervous system regarding sensory and motor information?

Answer 31

Coordinates incoming neural information from the senses and outgoing motor information to the muscles ## Footnote This coordination is vital for responding to environmental stimuli.