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Anatomy & Physiology Nervous System and Vertebral Column Study Guide

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  • Functions of the nervous system

    The nervous system controls sensory input, integration, and motor output.

  • Divisions of the nervous system

    The nervous system is divided into the CNS (central nervous system) and PNS (peripheral nervous system), with PNS subdivided into sensory and motor components.

  • Difference between sensory and motor neurons

    Sensory neurons carry impulses to the CNS; motor neurons carry impulses away from the CNS to effectors.

  • Difference between somatic and visceral nervous systems

    Somatic controls voluntary movements; visceral controls involuntary functions of organs.

  • Difference between afferent and efferent pathways

    Afferent pathways carry signals toward the CNS; efferent pathways carry signals away from the CNS.

  • Neuroglia cells and their main function

    Neuroglia support neurons by providing protection, nutrients, and myelination.

  • Structure and function of neurons

    Neurons have a cell body, dendrites (receive signals), and an axon (sends signals).

  • Function of myelin and cells that form it

    Myelin insulates axons to speed signal conduction; formed by Schwann cells in PNS and oligodendrocytes in CNS.

  • Nodes of Ranvier

    Gaps in the myelin sheath where ion channels are concentrated to facilitate rapid signal conduction.

  • Structural classification of neurons

    Neurons are classified as multipolar, bipolar, or unipolar based on the number of processes.

  • Functional classification of neurons

    Neurons are classified as sensory, motor, or interneurons based on function.

  • Resting membrane potential

    The voltage difference across the membrane at rest, typically around \(-70\,mV\), maintained by ion gradients and permeability.

  • Forces responsible for resting potential

    Resting potential is maintained by the Na+/K+ pump and differential membrane permeability to ions.

  • Difference between graded and action potentials

    Graded potentials vary in magnitude and decay with distance; action potentials are all-or-none signals that propagate without decrement.

  • Phases of an action potential

    Phases include depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization, involving opening and closing of voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels.

  • Propagation of an action potential

    Action potentials propagate along the axon by sequential opening of voltage-gated channels, enabling signal transmission.

  • Absolute and relative refractory periods

    Absolute refractory period: no new action potential possible; relative refractory period: a stronger stimulus can trigger an action potential.

  • Function of synapses

    Synapses transmit signals between neurons via chemical neurotransmitters or electrical coupling.

  • Excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials

    Excitatory potentials depolarize the membrane; inhibitory potentials hyperpolarize it, affecting neuron firing.

  • Summation of postsynaptic potentials

    Postsynaptic potentials combine spatially and temporally to influence whether an action potential is generated.

  • Role of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter

    Acetylcholine mediates synaptic transmission at neuromuscular junctions and in the autonomic nervous system.

  • Major lobes of the brain and their general functions

    Frontal: motor control; parietal: sensory processing; occipital: vision; temporal: auditory; insula: visceral sensation.

  • Function and location of cerebral cortex

    The cerebral cortex is the brain's outer layer responsible for conscious thought, sensory perception, and motor commands.

  • Types of cerebral white matter fibers

    Association fibers connect areas within the same hemisphere; commissural fibers connect hemispheres; projection fibers connect cortex to lower brain regions.

  • Flow pathway of sensory information

    Sensory information typically flows from receptors to the primary sensory cortex, then to association areas for processing.

  • Flow pathway of motor information

    Motor commands originate in the primary motor cortex, then travel through descending pathways to muscles.

  • Differences between male and female pelves

    Male pelves are generally narrower and taller; female pelves are wider and shallower to facilitate childbirth.

  • Irregular curvatures of the vertebral column

    Abnormal curvatures include scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, affecting posture and spinal function.