Chapter 12 Nervous System Review – Step-by-Step Study Guidance

Q1. The somatic nervous system controls _____________________.

Background

Topic: Divisions of the Nervous System

This question tests your understanding of the basic functions of the somatic nervous system and what types of body activities it regulates.

Key Terms:

• Somatic Nervous System (SNS): The part of the peripheral nervous system associated with voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles.

• Voluntary Control: Actions you can consciously control, such as moving your arm or walking.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system: the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

2. Think about which division is responsible for conscious, voluntary actions versus automatic, involuntary actions.

3. Consider examples of activities you can control, such as moving your limbs, and which system would be responsible for these actions.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. The Autonomic nervous system controls _______________, __________________, _________________, and ____________________________.

Background

Topic: Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Functions

This question is about the types of body functions regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which operates largely below the level of consciousness.

Key Terms:

• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary body functions.

• Involuntary Control: Actions that happen automatically, such as heart rate and digestion.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. List the major organ systems that function without conscious control (e.g., heart, lungs, digestive tract).

2. Think about processes like heartbeat, breathing, and glandular secretion—are these voluntary or involuntary?

3. Recall the main effectors (muscle or gland types) that the ANS targets.

4. Try to name at least four specific functions or organs regulated by the ANS.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. Explain when the sympathetic division would become dominant. Parasympathetic division.

Background

Topic: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Divisions of the ANS

This question tests your understanding of the circumstances under which each division of the autonomic nervous system is most active.

Key Terms:

• Sympathetic Division: Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

• Parasympathetic Division: Promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the general functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

2. Think of situations where your body needs to respond quickly to stress or danger—what division is active?

3. Consider when your body is relaxed, digesting food, or conserving energy—what division is dominant?

4. Try to describe a scenario for each division (e.g., running from danger vs. sitting and eating).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. What is a synapse?

Background

Topic: Neuronal Communication

This question is about the structure and function of synapses in the nervous system.

Key Terms:

• Synapse: The junction between two neurons or between a neuron and another cell where communication occurs.

• Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger released at synapses.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the basic structure of a neuron and how signals are transmitted.

2. Think about how one neuron communicates with another or with a muscle/gland cell.

3. Identify the key components of a synapse (presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, postsynaptic membrane).

4. Consider the role of neurotransmitters in this process.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. What is the difference between a visceral sensory neuron and a somatic sensory neuron?

Background

Topic: Sensory Neurons

This question tests your understanding of the different types of sensory neurons and what parts of the body they monitor.

Key Terms:

• Visceral Sensory Neuron: Detects sensations from internal organs.

• Somatic Sensory Neuron: Detects sensations from skin, muscles, and joints.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall what 'viscera' refers to (internal organs).

2. Think about what types of sensations each neuron type would detect (e.g., pain from a muscle vs. pain from the stomach).

3. Compare the sources of sensory input for each neuron type.

4. Try to give an example of a sensation detected by each type.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q6. What is the function of each of the following…

a) Microglia

b) Oligodendrocytes

c) Ependymal cells

d) Astrocytes

Background

Topic: Neuroglia (Glial Cells) in the Central Nervous System

This question is about the different types of supporting cells in the CNS and their specific functions.

Key Terms:

• Microglia: Immune defense cells in the CNS.

• Oligodendrocytes: Cells that form myelin sheaths in the CNS.

• Ependymal Cells: Line the ventricles of the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid.

• Astrocytes: Support neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and regulate the extracellular environment.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. For each cell type, recall its main function in the CNS.

2. Think about how each cell type contributes to the health and function of neurons.

3. Consider which cell type is involved in immune defense, which forms myelin, which produces cerebrospinal fluid, and which supports the blood-brain barrier.

4. Try to match each function to the correct cell type.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!