Reflexes and Central Nervous System

Question 1

What are reflexes and their primary purpose

Answer 1

Reflexes are rapid, predictable, and involuntary responses to stimuli
- Protect body

Question 2

What pathways do reflexes occur in?

Answer 2

Signal goes to the SPINAL CORD
- Occur over a pathway called reflex arc

Question 3

Five essential elements elements in a reflex part (in order)

Answer 3

1. Receptor (Responds to Stimulus)
2. Sensory (afferent neuron)
3. Integration Centre (Spinal Cord)
4. Motor Neuron
5. Effector ( Muscle is stimulated )

Question 4

Somatic vs. Autonomic reflexes

Answer 4

Somatic - Skeletal Muscle
Autonomic - Smooth muscle, heart, and glands

Question 5

Example of Somatic reflex

Answer 5

• Pulling hand away from hot object

Question 6

Example of Autonomic reflex

Answer 6

• dilation of pupils

Question 7

Major functions of the nervous system as a WHOLE

Answer 7

1. Uses Sensory receptors to monitor changes happening inside and out.
   ( Changes are Stimuli and the gathered information is called sensory input )
2. Processes and interprets the sensory input (Integration)
3. Causes a response ( Motor Output)

Question 8

Main functions of the Spinal Cord

Answer 8

• Connects the brain to the nerves
• Provides a 2-way path to and from the brain
• Major reflex centre

Question 9

What are Meninges

Answer 9

Three connective tissue membranes protecting CNS

Question 10

Function of CSF

Answer 10

• Provides a water cushion for brain and spinal cord

Question 11

Where is CSF formed

Answer 11

Forms from plasma by clusters of capillaries in cavities called ventricles

Question 12

Purpose of blood-brain barrier

Answer 12

Protect brain from blood borne substances by least permeable capillaries