12. The Central Nervous System

The synapsing of several neurons on the same postsynaptic neuron is called

(a) Serial processing

(b) Reverberation

(c) Divergence

(d) Convergence

A new diet wonder drug is designed to block the release of orexins. How might this cause weight loss? Predict the potential adverse effects that might come from blocking orexin release.

Which of the following statements about the general functions of the nervous system is false?

a. The three primary functions of the nervous system include sensory, integrative, and motor functions.

b. The integrative functions of the nervous system are its processing functions.

c. Sensory stimuli are transmitted on sensory efferent fibers to a sensory receptor.

d. Motor functions are carried out by fibers that carry signals to an effector.

If symptoms characteristic of Parkinson's disease appear, which part of the midbrain is inhibited from secreting a neurotransmitter? Which neurotransmitter is it?

Proceeding deep from the most superficial structure, number the following in the correct sequence:

(a) _____ walls of vertebral canal

(b) _____ dura mater

(c) _____ subdural space

(d) _____ epidural space

(e) _____ pia mater

(f) _____ arachnoid membrane

(g) _____ subarachnoid space

(h) _____ spinal cord

Mark the following statements about the brain as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The right and left lateral ventricles are the largest of the ventricles in the brain and are located in the diencephalon.

Mark the following statements about the spinal cord as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The epidural space around the spinal cord is only a potential space.