L3 PT - Nervous System

What are the three basic functional elements of the nervous system?

• Sensation, Integration, Response

• Sensation, Reaction, Movement

• Integration, Movement, Response

• Sensation, Perception, Action

Answer explanation

The three basic functional elements of the nervous system are Sensation (detecting stimuli), Integration (processing information), and Response (acting on the information). Thus, the correct answer is Sensation, Integration, Response.

What is the role of the central nervous system (CNS)?

• To control voluntary muscle contraction

• To act as the control base for the whole nervous system

• To gather information from the environment

• To initiate glandular secretion

Answer explanation

The central nervous system (CNS) serves as the control base for the entire nervous system, coordinating all activities, including processing information and directing responses, making it essential for overall function.

What is the role of the spinal cord in the nervous system?

• It connects the brain to the PNS and integrates information for reflexive responses.

• It only transmits sensory information to the brain.

• It is responsible for conscious thought and decision making.

• It controls the involuntary systems of the body.

Answer explanation

The spinal cord connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and plays a crucial role in integrating information for reflexive responses, making it essential for both voluntary and involuntary actions.

What are interneurons?

• Neurons that transmit impulses from the CNS to muscles.

• Neurons that carry messages to the CNS from sensory receptors.

• Neurons that pass signals from one neuron to another.

• Neurons that control voluntary movement.

Answer explanation

Interneurons are specialized neurons that facilitate communication between other neurons, passing signals from one neuron to another. This distinguishes them from motor and sensory neurons, which serve different functions.

What is the function of sensory neurons?

• They transmit impulses from the CNS to organs.

• They carry messages to the CNS from sensory receptors.

• They control voluntary movement.

• They are responsible for reflexive responses.

Answer explanation

Sensory neurons are responsible for carrying messages from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS), allowing the brain to process and respond to sensory information.

What does the somatic nervous system control?

• Involuntary systems of the body

• Voluntary, conscious movement of skeletal muscles

• Reflexive responses

• Internal processes for rest and recovery

Answer explanation

The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary, conscious movement of skeletal muscles, allowing us to control our movements intentionally, unlike involuntary systems or reflexive responses.

What is the sympathetic nervous system responsible for?

• Slowing down internal processes to rest and recover

• Speeding up internal processes in preparation for activity

• Controlling voluntary movement

• Transmitting impulses to muscles

Answer explanation

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for speeding up internal processes in preparation for activity, often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body for stressful situations.

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

• Transmit action potentials along the axon

• Release neurotransmitters at synaptic end bulbs

• Carry incoming action potentials and sense stimuli

• Regulate cell activity and contain the nucleus

Answer explanation

Dendrites are responsible for carrying incoming action potentials and sensing stimuli from the environment. They receive signals from other neurons, making them crucial for neuronal communication.

Which part of the neuron is responsible for regulating cell activity and contains the nucleus?

• Axon

• Dendrites

• Synaptic end bulbs

• Cell body

Answer explanation

The cell body, also known as the soma, is the part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and regulates cell activity, making it essential for the neuron's overall function.

What is the function of the myelin sheath in a neuron?

• To release neurotransmitters

• To carry incoming action potentials

• To insulate the axon and speed up action potentials

• To regulate cell activity

Answer explanation

The myelin sheath insulates the axon, allowing electrical impulses to travel faster along the neuron. This is crucial for efficient communication between nerve cells, making 'To insulate the axon and speed up action potentials' the correct choice.