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Chapter 12 Nervous Tissue Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

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Study Guide - Smart Notes

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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: sensory (input) or motor (output).

  3. Consider the origin and destination of signals in each division: where do afferent signals start and end? Where do efferent signals start and end?

  4. Use Figure 12-1 from your textbook to help visualize the flow of information.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

The afferent division of the PNS carries sensory signals from receptors in the body to the CNS. These signals inform the CNS about changes in the internal and external environment. The efferent division carries motor commands from the CNS to effectors (muscles, glands, adipose tissue), causing a response or action.

Q2. Name three groups of receptors and describe what they monitor (use Figure 12-1).

Background

Topic: Sensory Receptors in the Nervous System

This question is about the classification of sensory receptors based on the type of information they detect.

Key Terms:

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

  • Exteroceptors, proprioceptors, interoceptors: The three main groups of receptors.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the three main groups of sensory receptors based on what they monitor.

  2. For each group, think about whether they detect external, internal, or positional information.

  3. Use Figure 12-1 to match each group with the type of information it monitors.

  4. Briefly describe the function of each group.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

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

  • Proprioceptors: Monitor position and movement of skeletal muscles and joints.

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

Q3. Name the effectors of the somatic nervous system (SNS) and of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (use Figure 12-1).

Background

Topic: Effectors in the Motor Division of the PNS

This question asks you to identify the target tissues or organs that respond to commands from the SNS and ANS.

Key Terms:

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

  • Somatic nervous system (SNS): Controls voluntary movements.

  • Autonomic nervous system (ANS): Controls involuntary functions.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the main function of the SNS and ANS.

  2. Think about which tissues are under voluntary control and which are involuntary.

  3. Use Figure 12-1 to identify the effectors for each system.

  4. List the effectors for both SNS and ANS.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

The SNS controls skeletal muscles (voluntary effectors). The ANS controls cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, glands, and adipose tissue (involuntary effectors).

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 knowledge of the basic structural organization of the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • CNS (Central Nervous System): The brain and spinal cord.

  • PNS (Peripheral Nervous System): All neural tissue outside the CNS.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the two main anatomical divisions of the nervous system.

  2. List the structures included in the CNS.

  3. List the structures included in the PNS.

  4. Think about the location and function of each structure.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

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

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