What are the two main divisions of the nervous system? The two main divisions are the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
What is the basic unit of the nervous system? The basic unit is the neuron, or nerve cell.
What part of the neuron receives incoming signals? The dendrites receive incoming signals.
What is the long fiber that carries signals away from the cell body? The axon is the long fiber that carries signals away from the cell body.
What is the gap between one neuron and another called? The gap is called the synapse.
Which division of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements of skeletal muscles? The Somatic Division (part of the PNS) is responsible for voluntary movements.
What are the three main parts of the brain? The three main parts are the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.
What structure is known as the “brain’s sensory switchboard”? The thalamus is known as the brain’s sensory switchboard.
Explain the “all-or-none” law of neuron firing. A neuron either fires at full strength or it does not fire at all; there is no partial firing.
How does a reflex arc function? A reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls a reflex. It involves a sensory receptor, sensory (afferent) neuron, often an interneuron in the spinal cord, motor (efferent) neuron, and an effector (muscle or gland), allowing for a rapid, automatic response.
What is the role of the myelin sheath? The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates the axon, speeding up the transmission of neural impulses.
How do excitatory and inhibitory messages determine whether a neuron will fire? If the net effect of excitatory messages exceeds the net effect of inhibitory messages and reaches a certain threshold, the neuron will fire. If not, it will not fire.
What are the primary functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)? The ANS controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and glandular activity, and is divided into the sympathetic (arousing) and parasympathetic (calming) systems.
Why is the medulla oblongata considered a vital part of the brain? The medulla controls essential life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure; damage to it can be fatal.
What is the primary function of the cerebellum? The cerebellum is primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and posture.
How does the reticular formation influence consciousness? The reticular formation acts as an arousal system for the cerebral cortex; it filters incoming stimuli and helps maintain consciousness and alertness. Damage can lead to coma.
Contrast the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for “fight or flight” (arousal), while the parasympathetic nervous system calms the body and conserves energy (“rest and digest”).
When you touch a hot stove, you immediately pull your hand away. This rapid response is due to a ________. Reflex arc.
The chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap are called ________. Neurotransmitters.
If a person’s cerebellum were damaged, what kind of symptoms might they exhibit? They might exhibit symptoms such as jerky, uncoordinated movements, balance problems, and difficulty with fine motor tasks.
During a stressful exam, which division of the autonomic nervous system is most active? The Sympathetic Nervous System is most active.
After the exam, as you relax, which division of the autonomic nervous system takes over? The Parasympathetic Nervous System takes over.
A drug that blocks neurotransmitter reception would be classified as an ________ message. Inhibitory.
Which part of the brain would be most active if you were solving a complex math problem? The cerebral cortex, particularly the frontal lobes associated with reasoning and problem-solving, would be highly active.
A stroke damages a patient’s thalamus. What sensory problem might they experience? They might experience problems with sensory integration, as the thalamus routes sensory information (except smell) to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.
