1. Name the divisions of the nervous system and state the parts of each. (p.
166)
Answer :
The human nervous system has two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS, the body’s control center, consists of the
brain and spinal cord. The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
The basic unit of the nervous system is the **neuron**, which transmits information
through electrical signals. Neurons have different parts: a cell body, dendrites (receive
signals), and an axon (sends signals).
The nervous system Is responsible for many functions, including:
Sensing the environment (touch, sight, etc.)
Controlling muscles and organs
Maintaining internal balance (homeostasis)
Thinking and feeling emotions
2. State the function of the following parts of nerve tissue: (pp. 166-167)
1. Axon
2. Dendrites
3. Myelin sheath
4. Neurolemma
5. Microglia
6. Astrocytes
Answer :
Nervous System Parts in Action: A Simplified Look
Neurons, the building blocks of the nervous system, rely on specialized parts for
communication.
Axons: Like electrical wires, axons carry messages away from the cell body to
other neurons, muscles, or glands. Some axons have a fatty sheath (myelin) that
speeds up these messages.
Dendrites: These branching structures act as antennae, receiving messages from
other neurons and relaying them to the cell body.
Myelin Sheath: This fatty layer found around axons in the PNS acts like
insulation, speeding up nerve impulses.
Neurolemma (PNS only): This protective sheath safeguards the axon and
Schwann cells (myelin producers) from damage and aids in nerve regeneration.
Microglia: Acting as the brain’s cleaners, microglia remove cellular debris to
maintain a healthy environment for neurons.
Astrocytes: These star-shaped cells maintain the chemical balance around
neurons, regulate crucial ions, and contribute to the blood-brain barrier.
These parts work together to enable the nervous system to send and receive
information efficiently, allowing us to interact with the world around us.
3. Explain the difference between: (pp. 170-171)
1. Sensory neurons and motor neurons
2. Interneurons and nerve tracts
Answer :
The question refers to the direction of signals in the spinal cord.
Ascending tracts, like the dorsal column, carry sensory information ‘upward’ to
the brain.
Descending tracts, like the corticospinal tract, carry motor information
‘downward’ from the brain.
4. Describe an electrical nerve impulse in terms of charges on either side of the neuron
membrane. Describe how a nerve impulse crosses a synapse. (pp. 168-169, 171)
Answer:
Electrical Impulses and Synapses: A Messaging System
Electrical Impulses: A Dance of Ions
Neurons use electrical signals called action potentials to communicate. These impulses
rely on a shift in charged particles (ions) across the cell membrane.
At rest, the inside of the neuron is negatively charged compared to the outside due
to ion distribution.
A stimulus triggers sodium channels to open, causing a rush of positively charged
sodium ions into the cell (depolarization).
Potassium channels then open, allowing positively charged potassium ions to flow
out, restoring the resting state (repolarization).
Synapses: Chemical Messengers Take Over
Neurons don’t directly touch. They communicate across a gap (synapse) using chemical
messengers called neurotransmitters.
During an action potential, neurotransmitters are released from the sending
neuron (presynaptic).
These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the receiving neuron (postsynaptic).
Depending on the neurotransmitter and receptor, the postsynaptic neuron is either
excited (more likely to fire) or inhibited (less likely to fire).
This interplay of electrical impulses and chemicals allows for complex information flow
within the nervous system.
5. With respect to the spinal cord: (p. 172)
1. Describe its location
2. State what gray matter and white matter are made of
3. State the function of the dorsal root, ventral root, and dorsal root ganglion
Answer :
a. The spinal cord resides within the vertebral canal
a protective bony passage formed by the vertebrae in your back. It stretches
from the base of the skull to the lower back, where it tapers into a structure
called the conus medullaris.
b. Gray matter
cell bodies (somas), dendrites, and unmyelinated axons
White matter
myelinated axons
c. Dorsal root (sensory root)
carries sensory information from the body to the CNS. It contains the cell
bodies of sensory neurons located in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG).
Ventral root (motor root)
carries motor commands from the brain to the muscles.
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
houses the cell bodies of sensory neurons.
6. State the names and number of pairs of spinal nerves. State the part of the body supplied
by the phrenic nerves, radial nerves, and sciatic nerves. (pp. 172, 174)
Answer :
There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves in the human body.
Phrenic nerves: These nerves (specifically the phrenic nerve on each side of
the body) supply the diaphragm, the primary muscle responsible for breathing.
Radial nerves: The radial nerves originate from the brachial plexus (network
of nerves in the shoulder region) and supply sensation and motor function to
the extensor muscles of the triceps, forearm, wrist, and hand, along with some
areas of the skin on the back of the hand and thumb.
Sciatic nerve: The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body. It
originates from the lumbosacral plexus (network of nerves in the lower back
and buttocks) and supplies sensation and motor function to the hamstring
muscles, buttocks, lower leg, foot, and toes.
7. Define reflex, and name the five parts of a reflex arc. (pp. 172, 174)
Answer :
A reflex is an automatic response to a stimulus, bypassing conscious thought. It involves
five parts:
1. Receptor: Detects a change in the environment (touch, temperature, etc.).
2. Sensory neuron: Carries a signal from the receptor to the CNS.
3. Integrating center: Processes the information and decides on a response (brain or
spinal cord).
4. Motor neuron: Carries a signal from the integrating center to the effector.
5. Effector: Muscle or gland that carries out the response.
Reflexes are faster than voluntary actions because they don’t involve the brain. This is
helpful for quick reactions, like pulling your hand away from something hot.
8. Define stretch reflexes, and explain their practical importance. Define flexor reflexes, and
explain their practical importance. (p. 175)
Answer :
1. Stretch Reflex (Myotatic Reflex):
Helps regulate muscle length and maintain posture.
Muscle contracts when stretched to resist the stretch and maintain muscle
tone.
Example: Knee jerk reflex.
2. Flexor Reflex (Withdrawal Reflex):
Protects body from harmful stimuli.
Flexor muscles contract to pull body part away from stimulus.
Extensor muscles relax to allow flexion movement.
Example: Pulling hand away from hot stove.
3. Importance:
These reflexes work unconsciously to maintain posture, balance, and protect
from harm.
Allow for quick and efficient responses in situations requiring immediate
action.
9. Name the part of the brain concerned with each of the following: (pp. 176-179)
a. Regulates body temperature
b. Regulates heart rate
c. Suppresses unimportant sensations
d. Regulates respiration (two parts)
e. Regulates food intake
f. Regulates coordination of voluntary movement
g. Regulates secretions of the anterior pituitary gland
h. Regulates coughing and sneezing
i. Regulates muscle tone
j. Regulates visual and auditory reflexes
k. Regulates blood pressure
Answer :
