A14          

Study Questions Chapter 10,
M. J. Malachowski, Ph.D

Nervous System



  1. What are the general functions of the nervous system? Distinguish between the:
    • central nervous system (CNS,
    • the peripheral nervous system (PNS),
    • the somatic nervous system (CNS) and
    • the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
  2. Describe the arrangement and function of the following parts of the neuron:
    • dendrites,
    • cell body,
    • axon,
    • terminal boutons.
  3. On a diagram or model of a neuron, be able to identify the
    • myelin sheath,
    • neurilemma, and the
    • nodes of Ranvier.
    1. How does the Schwann cell form all of these?
    2. What is the relationship between the neurilemma and regeneration?
    3. What effect do myelin and nodes have on conduction?
    4. Which parts of a neuron may be myelinated?
    5. What color results?
    6. Which parts are unmyelinated?
    7. What color are they?
  4. What do we mean aby saying that a resting neuron is "polarized"?
    • Describe the distribution of ions and charges in the resting neuron.
    • Tell how this is related to membrane permeability and the sodium potassium pump.
    • Explain the "depolarization" which occurs when a neuron conducts an impulse.
    • What is meant by an adequate stimulus?
    • What is summation?
    • How is the recovering neuron "repolarized"?
  5. How do nerves communicate?
    • What is a synapse?
    • A neuromuscular junction?
    • Explain how an impulse crosses a synapse or neuromuscular junction.
    • What is a neurotransmitter?
    • Distinguish between excitatory and inhibitory transmitters.
    • How do acetylcholine and cholinesterase work?
    • Where does norepinephrine occur as a transmitter?
    • How is it cleared from the synapse?
  6. What is a reflex?
    • What is the role of the following?
      • Receptor,
      • sensory neuron,
      • internuncial neuron,
      • motor neuron,
      • effector.
    • Be able to trace the anatomical path of a spinal reflex.
    • How is the brain involved in a spinal reflex?
    • Name and describe some important reflexes.
  7. On a cross section of the spinal cord, be able to identify the following:
      • spinal nerve,
      • dorsal root and horn,
      • ventral horn and root.
    • How are these related to the spinal reflex?
    • In the white matter of the cord, what is the general function of
      • ascending tracts?
      • Descending tracts?
  8. Know the location and functions of the following parts of the brain:
    • Medulla oblongata,
    • pons,
    • cerebellum,
    • thalamus,
    • hypothalamus,
    • cerebrum:
      • frontal,
      • parietal,
      • occipital, and
      • temporal lobes.
    • Longitudinal and central fissures,
    • precentral and postcentral gyri,
    • corpus callosum.
  9. What are the names, numbers, and primary functions of the cranial nerves?
  10. What parts of the body are innervated by the autonomic nervous system?
    • Compare and contrast the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions in the following respects:
      • Where the neurons originate from the central nervous system.
      • In what situations each division predominates.
      • Type of neurotransmitter released by each division.
      • Which has:
        • widespread efforts,
        • which has localized effects, and
        • why.
      • Effects of each division on target organs.
  11. Know the location and function of the three meninges:
    • dura mater,
    • arachnoid, and
    • pia mater.
    1. What is cerebrospinal fluid?
    2. Where is it located? What is its function?
    3. What are neuroglia?
    4. What is their functions?












Anatomy 14 Schedule Pull-Down Menu

Updated10/6/04 Miko Dr. Malachowski @ CCSFt