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BIO 111 Nervous System, Eye, and Ear Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

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Q1. What is the structure and function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

Background

Topic: Organization of the Nervous System

This question tests your understanding of the two main divisions of the nervous system, their components, and their roles in the body.

Key Terms:

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord.

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes all neural tissue outside the CNS (nerves and ganglia).

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Start by identifying the main anatomical components of the CNS and PNS.

  2. Describe the primary function of the CNS (e.g., integration and processing of information).

  3. Describe the primary function of the PNS (e.g., communication between the CNS and the rest of the body).

  4. Think about examples of structures in each system (e.g., spinal nerves for PNS, brain for CNS).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. What is the difference between the Somatic and Autonomic nervous systems? Afferent and Efferent divisions? Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems?

Background

Topic: Functional Divisions of the Nervous System

This question asks you to compare and contrast major functional divisions and subdivisions of the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Controls voluntary movements.

  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Controls involuntary functions.

  • Afferent Division: Sensory input to CNS.

  • Efferent Division: Motor output from CNS.

  • Sympathetic: "Fight or flight" responses.

  • Parasympathetic: "Rest and digest" responses.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define each pair of terms (Somatic vs. Autonomic, Afferent vs. Efferent, Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic).

  2. List the main functions or roles of each.

  3. Think of examples for each system (e.g., moving your arm vs. heart rate regulation).

  4. Compare how each pair differs in terms of control (voluntary/involuntary, direction of signal, type of response).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. Draw and label the parts of an afferent and efferent neuron. What is the function of each part?

Background

Topic: Neuron Structure and Function

This question tests your ability to identify and describe the structure and function of different types of neurons.

Key Terms:

  • Afferent (sensory) neuron: Carries information to the CNS.

  • Efferent (motor) neuron: Carries information from the CNS to effectors.

  • Key parts: Dendrites, cell body (soma), axon, axon terminals.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Sketch a generic neuron and label the dendrites, soma, axon, and axon terminals.

  2. Indicate the direction of information flow (from dendrites to axon terminals).

  3. Label which neuron is afferent and which is efferent, and note their roles.

  4. Briefly describe the function of each labeled part (e.g., dendrites receive signals).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. What is the function of the myelin sheath? How is it formed in the CNS and the PNS?

Background

Topic: Neuron Structure – Myelination

This question tests your understanding of the role of myelin in nerve conduction and the cells responsible for myelination in different parts of the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Myelin sheath: Insulating layer around axons.

  • Oligodendrocytes: Form myelin in CNS.

  • Schwann cells: Form myelin in PNS.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the main function of the myelin sheath (e.g., increases speed of nerve impulse conduction).

  2. Identify which cells produce myelin in the CNS and which in the PNS.

  3. Explain how myelination differs between these two systems (e.g., one cell can myelinate multiple axons in CNS, but only one in PNS).

  4. Think about the importance of myelin in diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. What is a glial cell? List the functions of glial cells.

Background

Topic: Neuroglia

This question asks you to define glial cells and describe their supportive roles in the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Glial cells (neuroglia): Supportive cells in the nervous system.

  • Examples: Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, Schwann cells, ependymal cells.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what glial cells are and their general role.

  2. List the main types of glial cells in the CNS and PNS.

  3. Describe at least one function for each type (e.g., astrocytes maintain blood-brain barrier).

  4. Consider how glial cells differ from neurons in function.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q6. What are the five steps in nervous system processing?

Background

Topic: Nervous System Function

This question tests your understanding of the sequence of events in neural signaling and processing.

Key Terms:

  • Sensory input, integration, motor output, etc.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the general steps involved in nervous system processing (e.g., sensory reception, transmission, integration, motor output, response).

  2. Briefly describe what happens at each step.

  3. Think of an example (e.g., touching a hot stove and pulling your hand away).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

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