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Nervous System Basics - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the three major functions of the nervous system?

    Sensory (detect stimuli), Integration (interpretation), and Motor (response via muscles or glands).

  • How does the nervous system maintain homeostasis?

    By regulating other organ systems through electrical signals and neurotransmitters that control cells like neurons, muscles, and glands.

  • What is a neuron?

    A nerve cell that transmits electrical signals and releases neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons, muscles, or glands.

  • What role do neurotransmitters play in the nervous system?

    They are chemicals released by neurons to create signals in the next cell, enabling communication between neurons, muscles, or glands.

  • What are neuroglial cells?

    Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons in functions like protection, nourishment, and insulation.

  • What are the two main parts of the central nervous system (CNS)?

    The brain and the spinal cord.

  • Why is the autonomic nervous system important clinically?

    Because many drugs affect the sympathetic or parasympathetic systems, altering involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.

  • What is the relationship between the nervous and muscular systems?

    The nervous system controls muscle contractions, linking both systems closely in function.

  • What is a spinal reflex and why is it clinically important?

    An automatic response to stimuli used to check nerve damage and assess nervous system function.

  • What are the major components of the nervous system's organization?

    Structural parts (brain, spinal cord, nerves) and functional divisions (sensory, integration, motor).

  • How do neurons communicate with each other?

    Through electrical impulses and chemical neurotransmitters across synapses.

  • What senses are included in the nervous system's sensory function?

    General senses and special senses like vision, hearing, and equilibrium.

  • What sense organs are involved in vision and hearing?

    The eye for vision and the ear for hearing and equilibrium.

  • What is the functional significance of the sympathetic nervous system?

    It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during stress.

  • What is the functional significance of the parasympathetic nervous system?

    It promotes 'rest and digest' activities to conserve energy and maintain homeostasis.

  • What is the role of electrical signals in the nervous system?

    To transmit information rapidly between neurons and other cells.

  • What is the significance of neurotransmitter release at synapses?

    It enables signal transmission from one neuron to the next or to effector cells.

  • How does the nervous system influence personality and memory?

    Through complex neural networks in the brain that process and store information.

  • Why is understanding the nervous system important for clinical practice?

    Because it helps diagnose nerve damage, understand drug effects, and manage sensory or motor disorders.

  • What is the broad view approach to studying the nervous system in this module?

    Focusing on overall organization, major cell types, communication, CNS components, reflexes, autonomic system, and senses.