A. Define Autonomic nervous system
the system of nerves that carries instructions from the CNS to the bodys smooth muscles, cardiac muscle, and glands
B. Define Sensory nervous system
The system of nerves that carries information from the body’s receptors to the CNS
C. Define Somatic motor nervous system
The system of nerves that carries Instructions from the CNS to the skeletal muscles
- What are the two main types of cells in the human nervous system?
Neurons and neuroglia
- Identify the structures pointed out in this diagram of a neuron. See figure
A dendrites B nucleus C cell body D Axon E myelin sheath
- What do dendrites do?
Dendrites carry electrical signals to the cell body.
- What do axons do?
- What do axons do?
- What is a synapse?
A synapse is a small gap between the axon of the neuron and the receiving end of another cell.
- Explain how a signal crosses from the axon of a neuron to the receiving cell.
When the electrical signal reaches the end f the axon, neurotransmitters are released. They travel across the synapse. One they reach the receiving cell, they create a new electrical signal
- What is the function of neuroglia?
Neuroglia’s support the neurons by performing task that make it possible for the neurons to do their job.
- A nerve runs down the leg. Carrying signals to and from the foot. Is it a part of the PNS or the CNS?
The nerve is a part of the PNS
- What two main structures make up the CNS?
The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
- What two things discussed in this module protect the brain?
The skull and the cerebrospinal fluid
- What protects the spinal cord?
The vertebral column
- What is the brain’s gray matter composed of?
The neuron cell bodies
- What is the brain’s white matter composed of?
The axons of neurons
- What is the unction of the corpus callosum?
Allows the two sides of the brain to communicate with one another
- What does the cerebellum primarily control?
Skeletal muscle movement
- What part of the brain deals mostly with higher-level thinking skills?
The cerebrum
- Do the two sides of the brain do exactly the same things?
The two sides of the brain do not do exactly the same thing
- What side of the PNS does the left side of the brain control?
The right side of the PNS
- What is the blood –brain barrier and why is it important?
A system that “insulates” the brain from the blood, it is important because many of the chemicals in our blood are toxic to brain cells
- What does the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system do?
Increases the rate and strength of the heart beat and raises the blood pressure. It also stimulates the liver to release more glucose in the blood, producing quick energy for the “fight or flight” response
- What does the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system do?
Slows the heart rate and thus lowers the blood pressure. In addition, it takes care of curtain “housekeeping” activities such as causing the stomach to churn while it is digesting a meal
