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Guided Study for Nervous System and Tissue (CH 11) – ANP College Course

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Q1. List the basic functions of the nervous system.

Background

Topic: Overview of Nervous System Functions

This question tests your understanding of the primary roles the nervous system plays in the human body, which is foundational for all further study in neuroanatomy and physiology.

Key Terms:

  • Sensory Input: Gathering information from sensory receptors about internal and external changes.

  • Integration: Processing and interpreting sensory input to determine an appropriate response.

  • Motor Output: Activating effector organs (muscles and glands) to cause a response.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Think about how the body detects changes in the environment (both inside and outside the body). What is the first step in this process?

  2. Consider what happens to the information once it is detected. How does the body decide what to do with this information?

  3. Finally, reflect on how the body responds to the information it has processed. What structures are involved in carrying out these responses?

Try listing the functions before checking the answer!

Q2. Classify the structural and functional divisions of the nervous system.

Background

Topic: Organization of the Nervous System

This question assesses your ability to distinguish between the main anatomical and operational subdivisions of the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Somatic Nervous System

  • Autonomic Nervous System

  • Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Start by identifying the two main structural divisions of the nervous system. What organs or structures are included in each?

  2. Next, consider how the peripheral nervous system is further divided based on function. What are the two main functional subdivisions?

  3. Within the autonomic nervous system, what are the two opposing subdivisions, and what are their general roles?

Try organizing the divisions before revealing the answer!

Q3. Describe the important structural components of a neuron and their functional roles.

Background

Topic: Neuron Structure and Function

This question focuses on the anatomy of a neuron and the specific roles of its parts in neural signaling.

Key Terms:

  • Cell Body (Soma)

  • Dendrites

  • Axon

  • Axon Terminals

  • Myelin Sheath

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main parts of a neuron you have studied in diagrams or models.

  2. For each part, briefly describe its location and appearance.

  3. Explain the primary function of each component in the process of neural communication.

Try matching each structure to its function before checking the answer!

Q4. Classify neurons by structure and by function.

Background

Topic: Neuron Classification

This question tests your ability to distinguish neurons based on their shape and their role in the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Structural Classification: Multipolar, Bipolar, Unipolar

  • Functional Classification: Sensory (Afferent), Motor (Efferent), Interneurons

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the different shapes of neurons and how many processes extend from the cell body in each type.

  2. Think about the direction of information flow for each functional type of neuron.

  3. Match each structural type to its typical function, if possible.

Try classifying neurons before revealing the answer!

Q5. Explain the functions of the various types of neuroglia.

Background

Topic: Neuroglia (Glial Cells)

This question asks you to identify the different types of supporting cells in the nervous system and their roles.

Key Terms:

  • Astrocytes

  • Microglia

  • Ependymal Cells

  • Oligodendrocytes

  • Schwann Cells

  • Satellite Cells

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main types of neuroglia found in the CNS and PNS.

  2. For each type, describe its primary function in supporting neurons.

  3. Consider how these cells contribute to the health and function of nervous tissue.

Try explaining each glial cell's function before checking the answer!

Q6. Explain the structure and function of the myelin sheath in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Background

Topic: Myelination

This question focuses on the insulating layer around axons and its importance for nerve impulse conduction.

Key Terms:

  • Myelin Sheath

  • Oligodendrocytes (CNS)

  • Schwann Cells (PNS)

  • Nodes of Ranvier

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe what the myelin sheath is made of and which cells produce it in the CNS and PNS.

  2. Explain how the myelin sheath is arranged along the axon (continuous or interrupted?).

  3. Discuss the main function of myelin in neural signaling.

Try describing the structure and function before revealing the answer!

Q7. Differentiate between (1) a nucleus and a ganglion, and (2) a nerve and a tract.

Background

Topic: Nervous System Terminology

This question tests your understanding of anatomical terms used to describe clusters of neuron cell bodies and bundles of axons in different parts of the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Nucleus (in neuroanatomy)

  • Ganglion

  • Nerve

  • Tract

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a nucleus and a ganglion are, and specify where each is found (CNS or PNS).

  2. Define what a nerve and a tract are, and specify their locations.

  3. Summarize the main differences between each pair.

Try differentiating these terms before checking the answer!

Q8. Identify different types of membrane ion channels.

Background

Topic: Membrane Physiology

This question asks you to recognize the various types of ion channels found in neuron membranes and their roles in generating electrical signals.

Key Terms:

  • Leak Channels

  • Ligand-Gated Channels

  • Voltage-Gated Channels

  • Mechanically Gated Channels

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main types of ion channels found in neuron membranes.

  2. For each type, describe what stimulus opens or closes the channel.

  3. Consider where each type is typically found on the neuron.

Try identifying and describing each channel before revealing the answer!

Q9. Define resting membrane potential and describe its electrochemical basis.

Background

Topic: Resting Membrane Potential

This question tests your understanding of the electrical charge difference across the neuron's membrane and the factors that create it.

Key Terms and Formula:

  • Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

  • Na+/K+ Pump

  • Electrochemical Gradient

  • Typical Value: (in neurons)

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what is meant by the resting membrane potential.

  2. Describe the main ions involved and how their distribution across the membrane contributes to the RMP.

  3. Explain the role of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the RMP.

Try explaining the basis of RMP before checking the answer!

Q10. Describe graded potentials and name examples.

Background

Topic: Graded Potentials

This question focuses on small, localized changes in membrane potential and their significance in neural signaling.

Key Terms:

  • Graded Potential

  • Depolarization

  • Hyperpolarization

  • Postsynaptic Potential

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a graded potential is and how it differs from an action potential.

  2. Describe how graded potentials are generated and where they occur on the neuron.

  3. List at least one example of a graded potential (e.g., EPSP, IPSP, receptor potential).

Try describing and giving examples before revealing the answer!

Q11. Compare and contrast graded potentials and action potentials.

Background

Topic: Neural Signaling

This question asks you to distinguish between the two main types of electrical signals in neurons.

Key Terms:

  • Graded Potential

  • Action Potential

  • All-or-None Principle

  • Decremental vs. Nondecremental Conduction

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main features of graded potentials (e.g., amplitude, location, decremental spread).

  2. List the main features of action potentials (e.g., threshold, all-or-none, propagation).

  3. Summarize the key differences and similarities between the two.

Try comparing and contrasting before checking the answer!

Q12. Explain how action potentials are generated and propagated along neurons.

Background

Topic: Action Potential Generation and Propagation

This question tests your understanding of the sequence of events that lead to the initiation and movement of an action potential along an axon.

Key Terms and Formula:

  • Threshold

  • Depolarization

  • Repolarization

  • Voltage-Gated Na+ and K+ Channels

  • Propagation

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe what triggers the opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels and the resulting depolarization.

  2. Explain what happens when the membrane potential reaches its peak (Na+ channels inactivate, K+ channels open).

  3. Discuss how the action potential moves along the axon (propagation).

Try outlining the steps before revealing the answer!

Q13. Define absolute and relative refractory periods.

Background

Topic: Refractory Periods

This question focuses on the periods during and after an action potential when a neuron cannot or is less likely to fire another action potential.

Key Terms:

  • Absolute Refractory Period

  • Relative Refractory Period

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define the absolute refractory period and explain why no action potential can be generated during this time.

  2. Define the relative refractory period and explain what is required to generate another action potential during this time.

  3. Relate these periods to the state of Na+ and K+ channels.

Try defining each period before checking the answer!

Q14. Define saltatory conduction and explain how it differs from continuous conduction.

Background

Topic: Nerve Impulse Conduction

This question tests your understanding of how myelination affects the speed and pattern of action potential propagation.

Key Terms:

  • Saltatory Conduction

  • Continuous Conduction

  • Nodes of Ranvier

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define saltatory conduction and describe where it occurs.

  2. Define continuous conduction and describe where it occurs.

  3. Compare the speed and efficiency of the two types of conduction.

Try explaining the difference before revealing the answer!

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