Spinal Cord and Reflexes
*Where is the spinal cord located? What does it connect?
It is located inside the vertebral column. It connects the brain with the peripheral nervous system.
*What are the two main parts of the nervous system?
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
*What is the function of a neuron?
To transmit the nervous impulse.
pg. 103
*What does the autonomic nervous system control?
It controls smooth and cardiac muscles as well as glands (involuntary).
*What is the correct way to clean your ears?
Use water, soap or physiological solutions for cleaning. Never use objects because you may damage your eardrum.
*What is the function of the spinal cord?
It controls reflex actions (involuntary) that involve skeletal muscles.
*What is the central nervous system made up of?
It is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
*Classify the three types of neurons according to their function:
Afferent, efferent, and association neurons.
*What does the sympathetic system do?
It works in stress or fear. It prepares the body to fight or escape.
*Describe what can happen to the ducts of sebaceous glands during adolescence:
The ducts can become clogged and some bacteria can cause infections.
*What is a reflex arc?
It is the structure that produces a response without going to the brain. (for example: when we move our hand away from a sharp or burning object)
*What is the peripheral nervous system made up of?
It is made up of fibres known as "nerves" that connect the central nervous system to the body (receptor and effector organs).
*What is a synapse?
It is the connection between two neurons.
*What does the parasympathetic system do?
It helps relax the body when it is not in stress.
*State 2 things you can do to take care of your eyes:
- Be careful with the distance to computer and TV screens
- Keep good lighting in the spaces where you are.
- Visit your Opthomologist periodically
*Which requires the use of more muscles - monosynaptic arc or polysynaptic arc?
Polysynaptic arc uses more muscles, both in contraction and relaxation.
*What is a function of the cerebrum? What is it responsible for?
The cerebrum recieves information from the sensory organs.
It is responsible for memorization, learning, and voluntary responses.
*What are the steps followed by a synapse?
Specifically, a neurotransmitter is released, joins the membrane of neuron dendrites, and causes an elictrical wave that travels through the cell and produces the release of a new neurotransmitter in the synaptic buttons.
2.1
*Give one difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic system.
EXAMPLES:
- Sympathetic dilates pupils, parasympathetic contracts pupils.
- increases the heart rate / lowers the heart rate
- relaxes the bladder / contracts the bladder
etc.
(they have opposite effects, one activates one organ, and the other one inhibits it)
*Why should you avoid very dry environments?
They can dry up the mucous membranes of your mouth and nasal cavities
pg 135
*Name the 4 different regions of the spinal cord from which different nerves emerge:
- Cervical nerves
- Dorsal nerves
- Lumbar nerves
- Sacral nerves
*What does the medulla oblongata control?
It controls involuntary processes like heart rate, breathing, and digestion.
*What is the function of afferent neurons?
Where are they located?
They transmit the stimuli from the sensory organs to the nervous system.
They are located in organs called nerves.
*What happens to urine production with sympathetic vs. parasympathetic system?
Sympathetic lowers urine production and contracts the sphincter, the parasympathetic restores urine production and relaxes the sphincter.
*What should you do after eating to take care of smell and taste?
Brush your teeth after eating.