Act 2.1: Secrets of the Nervous System
This system acts as the body's "control center" and includes the brain and spinal cord
What is the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
These branching structures receive signals or input at the beginning of a neuron
What are dendrites?
During a neurological exam, these FIVE basic functions are checked along with vision and hearing
What are speech, strength, sensation, balance, and coordination?
This "little brain" located below the cerebrum is responsible for balance, movement, and coordination
What is the cerebellum?
These specialized cells detect tastes, touches, smells, sounds, and sights in the Peripheral Nervous System
What are sensory neurons?
This fatty substance acts like insulation around wires, helping signals move quickly through neurons
What is myelin sheath?
This clear, odorless fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord is collected during a spinal tap
What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
These TWO brain structures are found at the center (interior) of the brain, with one carrying sensory messages and the other controlling body temperature
What are the thalamus and hypothalamus?
These types of neurons are responsible for triggering muscle cells to move in response to signals from the brain
What are motor neurons?
This is the gap between two neurons where signals must travel to continue their journey
What is a synapse?
During this test, electrodes measure how fast electrical signals move through nerves to detect damage
What is a nerve conduction velocity test?
Located in the temporal lobes, this specific region is responsible for the conscious perception of sound
What is the auditory cortex?
The process of collecting stimuli, processing it, and deciding how to respond describes this system's primary function
What is the nervous system?
These chemical substances help signals cross the gap between neurons
What are neurotransmitters?
This scan uses THREE elements to create a detailed 3D image of the brain
What is an MRI scan?
This vital structure connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls automatic functions like breathing and heartbeat
What is the brain stem?
These THREE distinct processes must occur in order when you hear music and decide to dance, illustrating the complete pathway from PNS through CNS and back to PNS
What are: 1) sensory neurons collecting sound stimuli and sending signals to CNS, 2) brain processing the signals and making decision in CNS, and 3) motor neurons carrying signals from CNS to trigger muscle movement?
Name the complete pathway a signal takes through a neuron, in correct order, from initial reception to transmission to the next neuron
What is dendrites → cell body → nucleus → axon → myelin sheath → synapse?
Name all TWO types of brain diagnostic imaging tests and identify what makes EACH one unique in its imaging method
What are: 1) CT scan - uses x-rays from multiple angles and 2) MRI scan - uses magnetic fields and radio waves with computer for 3D image.
The visual pathway includes these THREE structures in order: signals travel from the eyes through these, then cross at the chiasm, and finally reach the occipital lobes
What are the optic nerves, optic chiasm, and visual cortex?