Skip to main content
Back

Chapter 12 Nervous Tissue Study Guide – Step-by-Step Anatomy & Physiology Guidance

NotesPracticeVideo lessons

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Q1. What is the difference in signals that are carried by the afferent vs efferent divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Background

Topic: Divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System

This question tests your understanding of how the PNS is functionally divided and the direction in which information is transmitted.

Key Terms:

  • Afferent division: Part of the PNS that brings sensory information to the CNS.

  • Efferent division: Part of the PNS that carries motor commands from the CNS to effectors.

  • Effectors: Muscles, glands, or adipose tissue that respond to motor commands.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall that the PNS is divided into afferent and efferent divisions based on the direction of signal transmission.

  2. Think about what type of information each division carries: does it bring information to the CNS or send commands away from the CNS?

  3. Consider the types of signals: are they sensory (input) or motor (output)?

  4. Identify examples of what each division might carry (e.g., touch, pain, muscle movement).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

The afferent division of the PNS carries sensory signals to the CNS from receptors, while the efferent division carries motor commands from the CNS to effectors (muscles, glands, adipose tissue).

Afferent = sensory input; Efferent = motor output.

Q2. Name three groups of receptors and describe what they monitor.

Background

Topic: Sensory Receptors in the PNS

This question tests your knowledge of the types of sensory receptors and what kinds of stimuli they detect.

Key Terms:

  • Receptors: Specialized cells or structures that detect changes in the environment.

  • Common groups: exteroceptors, proprioceptors, interoceptors.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the three main groups of receptors based on what they monitor (external, internal, or body position).

  2. For each group, think about the type of information it detects (e.g., touch, position, internal organ status).

  3. Use Figure 12-1 from your textbook to help identify and describe each group.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

The three groups of receptors are:

  • Exteroceptors: Monitor external environment (touch, temperature, special senses).

  • Proprioceptors: Monitor body position and movement (muscles, joints).

  • Interoceptors: Monitor internal environment (digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular systems).

Q3. Name the effectors of the somatic nervous system (SNS) and of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

Background

Topic: Effectors in the Motor Division of the PNS

This question tests your understanding of which tissues or organs respond to commands from the SNS and ANS.

Key Terms:

  • Effectors: Tissues or organs that carry out responses to nervous system signals.

  • SNS: Somatic Nervous System (voluntary control).

  • ANS: Autonomic Nervous System (involuntary control).

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the main difference between the SNS and ANS in terms of voluntary vs involuntary control.

  2. Think about which effectors are under conscious control (e.g., skeletal muscles) and which are not (e.g., heart, glands).

  3. Use Figure 12-1 to confirm which effectors are associated with each system.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

The effectors of the SNS are skeletal muscles (voluntary control). The effectors of the ANS are cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, glands, and adipose tissue (involuntary control).

Q4. What structures make up the CNS? What structures make up the PNS?

Background

Topic: Anatomical Divisions of the Nervous System

This question tests your ability to distinguish between the central and peripheral components of the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • CNS: Central Nervous System

  • PNS: Peripheral Nervous System

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the main organs included in the CNS (think about the body's main control centers).

  2. Identify what structures are considered part of the PNS (think about connections between the CNS and the rest of the body).

  3. List the specific structures for each division.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS consists of all neural tissue outside the CNS, including cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and peripheral ganglia.

Q5. Describe the following neuron structures, and state their functions: soma, perikaryon, Nissl bodies, dendrites, axolemma, axoplasm, telodendria, axon terminals.

Background

Topic: Neuron Anatomy

This question tests your knowledge of neuron structure and the function of each part.

Key Terms:

  • Soma: Cell body of the neuron.

  • Perikaryon: Cytoplasm of the soma.

  • Nissl bodies: Clusters of rough ER and ribosomes in the soma.

  • Dendrites: Branching extensions that receive signals.

  • Axolemma: Plasma membrane of the axon.

  • Axoplasm: Cytoplasm within the axon.

  • Telodendria: Fine extensions at the end of the axon.

  • Axon terminals: Endings where neurotransmitters are released.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. For each structure, recall its location within the neuron (e.g., cell body, axon, dendrites).

  2. Think about the main function of each part (e.g., receiving signals, transmitting signals, synthesizing proteins).

  3. Write a brief description and function for each term.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

  • Soma: The cell body; contains the nucleus and organelles.

  • Perikaryon: The cytoplasm of the soma; contains organelles and Nissl bodies.

  • Nissl bodies: Clusters of rough ER and ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis.

  • Dendrites: Branch-like extensions that receive incoming signals.

  • Axolemma: The plasma membrane of the axon; involved in action potential conduction.

  • Axoplasm: The cytoplasm within the axon; contains neurofilaments and organelles.

  • Telodendria: Fine branches at the end of the axon; form synapses with other cells.

  • Axon terminals: Endings of telodendria; release neurotransmitters to communicate with other cells.

Q6. What is the significance of neurons not having centrioles?

Background

Topic: Neuron Cell Biology

This question tests your understanding of cell division and regeneration in neurons.

Key Terms:

  • Centrioles: Organelles involved in cell division (mitosis).

  • Neurons: Nerve cells specialized for communication.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the function of centrioles in most cells (they help organize the mitotic spindle during cell division).

  2. Think about what happens to a cell that lacks centrioles—can it divide?

  3. Apply this to neurons: what does this mean for their ability to regenerate or replace themselves?

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

Neurons do not have centrioles, so they cannot undergo mitosis. This means that most neurons cannot divide or be replaced if damaged, making nervous tissue regeneration very limited.

Pearson Logo

Study Prep