Nervous System Flashcards
(35 cards)
What are the three primary functions of the nervous system?
The nervous system has three functions: sensory receptors monitor changes inside and outside the body, it processes and interprets sensory input, and it effects responses by activating muscles or glands.
Describe the two main divisions of the nervous system. What are their respective roles?
The two main divisions are the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes all the nerves outside the CNS. The CNS processes information and makes decisions, while the PNS carries messages to and from the CNS.
What are the three types of neurons, and what are their specific functions?
The three types of neurons are sensory neurons (transmit impulses from sense organs to the CNS), motor neurons (pass impulses from the CNS to muscles for movement), and interneurons (convey impulses from one neuron to another).
How does the brain contribute to human cognition and physical coordination?
The brain receives and processes messages, allowing us to think, reason, remember, feel emotions, and coordinate muscle movements.
Name the three main divisions of the brain and briefly describe their functions.
The three main divisions are the cerebrum (responsible for thinking and reasoning), cerebellum (controls coordination and balance), and brainstem (regulates basic life functions).
How does the nervous system facilitate our ability to receive sensory messages and respond to them?
The nervous system enables us to receive messages from our sense organs and respond to them by processing sensory input and generating appropriate responses.
What is the function of the spinal cord, and how does it relate to the nervous system?
The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body, serving as a central communication pathway within the nervous system.
Differentiate between the autonomic and somatic nervous systems within the peripheral nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions like digestion and heart rate, while the somatic nervous system governs voluntary responses.
What are some recommendations for keeping the nervous system healthy?
To keep the nervous system healthy, one should eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid drugs and alcohol, get enough sleep, and wear protective devices like helmets and seatbelts.
What is multiple sclerosis, and how does it affect the nervous system?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective sheath of nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the body.
Describe Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on mental functions.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and important mental functions, leading to cognitive decline.
What characterizes Parkinson’s disease, and what happens within the brain in this disorder?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. It results from the breakdown of certain nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, causing abnormal brain activity.
Define epilepsy and its effects on brain activity.
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by abnormal brain activity, leading to seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.
What are concussions, and how do they affect brain function?
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that affect brain function temporarily, leading to symptoms such as headaches, concentration problems, memory issues, and coordination difficulties.
Name some professions related to the nervous system mentioned in the text.
Professions related to the nervous system include neurologist, psychologist, neurosurgeon, and psychiatrist.
What is the main role of sensory receptors in the nervous system, and how do they function?
The main role of sensory receptors is to monitor changes occurring inside and outside the body. They function by detecting various stimuli such as light, sound, temperature, and pressure. When stimulated, they generate nerve impulses that are transmitted to the central nervous system for processing.
Explain the concept of integration in the nervous system. How does the brain process and interpret sensory input?
Integration in the nervous system refers to the process of processing and interpreting sensory input. When sensory information is received by the brain, it is analyzed, and decisions are made about how to respond. The brain interprets the sensory input based on previous experiences and knowledge, allowing us to make decisions and initiate appropriate responses.
In what ways do sensory neurons play a crucial role in our perception of the external world?
Sensory neurons play a crucial role in our perception of the external world by transmitting information from our senses (such as touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing) to the central nervous system. They allow us to perceive and interact with our environment, providing vital sensory information.
How do motor neurons contribute to voluntary movements, and what happens when they transmit impulses to muscles?
Motor neurons contribute to voluntary movements by transmitting impulses from the central nervous system to muscles. When they transmit impulses to muscles, it leads to muscle contraction, which results in movement. These impulses carry the instructions from the brain to specific muscles, initiating the desired motion.
Provide examples of situations where interneurons are responsible for transmitting impulses between neurons.
Interneurons are responsible for transmitting impulses between neurons in various situations. For example, when you touch a hot object, sensory neurons transmit the message to interneurons, which then relay the signal to motor neurons, instructing your muscles to withdraw your hand from the heat source. Interneurons also play a role in complex cognitive processes and decision-making.
Describe the functions of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem in more detail. What specific processes are they involved in?
The cerebrum is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, reasoning, memory, emotion, and conscious awareness. It also controls voluntary muscle movements.
The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating muscle movements, maintaining balance, and ensuring smooth motor functions.
The brainstem regulates basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and reflexes. It also serves as a pathway for information to travel between the brain and the spinal cord.
How can regular exercise benefit the nervous system, and why is it considered essential for its health?
Regular exercise benefits the nervous system by improving blood circulation, promoting the release of neurotransmitters that enhance mood and cognitive function, and supporting the growth and maintenance of neurons. Exercise is essential for nervous system health as it can enhance memory, reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and improve overall cognitive function.
What are some common protective devices mentioned in the text, and why are they important for maintaining nervous system health?
Common protective devices mentioned include helmets and seatbelts. These devices are important for maintaining nervous system health because they help prevent head and spinal cord injuries. Helmets protect the brain from trauma during activities like cycling or motorcycling, while seatbelts reduce the risk of serious injury during accidents, which can impact the nervous system.
Can you explain the relationship between abnormal brain activity and the development of epilepsy?
Abnormal brain activity, such as uncontrolled electrical impulses in the brain, is a hallmark of epilepsy. These abnormal electrical discharges can lead to seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and even loss of awareness, characteristic of epilepsy.
