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Nervous and Immune System Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

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Q1. Describe the 3 functions of a nervous system (sensory input, integration, motor output).

Background

Topic: Nervous System Functions

This question tests your understanding of the basic roles the nervous system plays in an organism, specifically how it processes information and responds to stimuli.

Key Terms:

  • Sensory Input: Gathering information from the environment.

  • Integration: Processing and interpreting sensory input.

  • Motor Output: Responding to information by activating muscles or glands.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Start by defining each function: What does sensory input mean in the context of the nervous system?

  2. Explain how integration occurs—what happens to the information once it is received?

  3. Describe motor output and how the nervous system translates processed information into action.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Diagram of the human brain

Q2. Give 4 examples of effector organs/tissues that could perform each function.

Background

Topic: Effector Organs and Tissues

This question is about identifying organs or tissues that respond to nervous system signals.

Key Terms:

  • Effector: An organ or cell that acts in response to a stimulus.

  • Examples: Muscles, glands, etc.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall what types of organs or tissues are controlled by the nervous system.

  2. List examples for each function (e.g., muscles for movement, glands for secretion).

  3. Think about how each effector responds to nervous system signals.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. What are the two main nervous system divisions, and what are their main functions?

Background

Topic: Nervous System Structure

This question tests your knowledge of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their roles.

Key Terms:

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves outside the CNS.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the two main divisions: CNS and PNS.

  2. Describe the primary function of the CNS.

  3. Describe the primary function of the PNS.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Diagram of the human brain

Q4. What are the main cell types in nervous tissue, and what are their functions?

Background

Topic: Nervous Tissue Cell Types

This question is about the cellular composition of nervous tissue and the roles of each cell type.

Key Terms:

  • Neuron: Transmits electrical signals.

  • Glial Cells: Support and protect neurons.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main cell types found in nervous tissue.

  2. Describe the function of neurons.

  3. Describe the function of glial cells.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. What is the main function of a neuron?

Background

Topic: Neuron Function

This question focuses on the primary role of neurons in the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Neuron: Specialized cell for transmitting electrical impulses.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a neuron is.

  2. Explain how neurons transmit information.

  3. Discuss the importance of this function in the nervous system.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q6. What are the main parts of a neuron, and what does each part do?

Background

Topic: Neuron Structure

This question tests your knowledge of neuron anatomy and the function of each part.

Key Terms:

  • Dendrite: Receives signals.

  • Axon: Transmits signals.

  • Cell Body: Contains nucleus and organelles.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the main structural parts of a neuron.

  2. Describe the function of dendrites.

  3. Describe the function of the axon.

  4. Describe the function of the cell body.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Diagram of the human brain

Q7. What is the difference between a neuron and a nerve?

Background

Topic: Neuron vs. Nerve

This question asks you to distinguish between individual cells and bundles of cells in the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Neuron: Single nerve cell.

  • Nerve: Bundle of axons.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a neuron is.

  2. Define what a nerve is.

  3. Explain how nerves are composed of many neurons.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q8. What is the difference between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron?

Background

Topic: Types of Neurons

This question tests your understanding of the functional differences between sensory and motor neurons.

Key Terms:

  • Sensory Neuron: Carries information to the CNS.

  • Motor Neuron: Carries information from the CNS to effectors.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define sensory neuron and its function.

  2. Define motor neuron and its function.

  3. Compare the direction of information flow for each type.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q9. What is the difference between a nerve and a tract?

Background

Topic: Nerve vs. Tract

This question is about distinguishing between structures in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Key Terms:

  • Nerve: Bundle of axons in the PNS.

  • Tract: Bundle of axons in the CNS.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a nerve is and where it is found.

  2. Define what a tract is and where it is found.

  3. Explain the functional significance of each.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q10. What is the difference between white matter and gray matter?

Background

Topic: Nervous Tissue Types

This question tests your knowledge of the structural and functional differences between white and gray matter.

Key Terms:

  • White Matter: Myelinated axons.

  • Gray Matter: Neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated axons.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define white matter and its composition.

  2. Define gray matter and its composition.

  3. Discuss the functional roles of each in the nervous system.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Diagram of the human brain

Q11. What is the resting membrane potential?

Background

Topic: Membrane Potential

This question is about the electrical charge difference across the membrane of a resting neuron.

Key Terms and Formula:

  • Resting Membrane Potential: The voltage across the membrane when the neuron is not transmitting signals.

  • Typical value: -70 mV (millivolts).

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what is meant by resting membrane potential.

  2. Explain how ion distribution (Na+, K+) contributes to this potential.

  3. Discuss the role of the sodium-potassium pump.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q12. What is an action potential?

Background

Topic: Action Potential

This question tests your understanding of how neurons transmit electrical signals.

Key Terms:

  • Action Potential: Rapid change in membrane potential that propagates along the axon.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what an action potential is.

  2. Describe the sequence of events (depolarization, repolarization).

  3. Explain how the action potential moves along the neuron.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q13. What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump?

Background

Topic: Ion Transport

This question is about the mechanism that maintains the resting membrane potential.

Key Terms and Formula:

  • Sodium-Potassium Pump: Transports Na+ out and K+ into the cell.

  • ATP: Energy source for the pump.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the function of the sodium-potassium pump.

  2. Explain how it uses ATP to move ions against their concentration gradients.

  3. Discuss its importance in maintaining membrane potential.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q14. What is the difference between depolarization and repolarization?

Background

Topic: Membrane Potential Changes

This question tests your understanding of the changes in membrane potential during an action potential.

Key Terms:

  • Depolarization: Membrane potential becomes less negative.

  • Repolarization: Membrane potential returns to resting value.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define depolarization and what causes it.

  2. Define repolarization and what causes it.

  3. Explain the sequence of these events during an action potential.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q15. What is the difference between a graded potential and an action potential?

Background

Topic: Types of Electrical Signals

This question is about distinguishing between local and propagated electrical changes in neurons.

Key Terms:

  • Graded Potential: Local change in membrane potential.

  • Action Potential: All-or-none propagated signal.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define graded potential and its characteristics.

  2. Define action potential and its characteristics.

  3. Compare how each signal travels and its effect on the neuron.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q16. What is the difference between a synapse and a neurotransmitter?

Background

Topic: Neural Communication

This question tests your understanding of how neurons communicate with each other or with effectors.

Key Terms:

  • Synapse: Junction between two neurons.

  • Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger released at the synapse.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a synapse is.

  2. Define what a neurotransmitter is.

  3. Explain how neurotransmitters are released at synapses.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q17. What is the difference between an excitatory and an inhibitory neurotransmitter?

Background

Topic: Neurotransmitter Types

This question is about how neurotransmitters affect the postsynaptic neuron.

Key Terms:

  • Excitatory Neurotransmitter: Promotes action potential.

  • Inhibitory Neurotransmitter: Prevents action potential.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define excitatory neurotransmitter and its effect.

  2. Define inhibitory neurotransmitter and its effect.

  3. Explain how these neurotransmitters influence neuron activity.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q18. What is the difference between a presynaptic and postsynaptic neuron?

Background

Topic: Synaptic Transmission

This question tests your understanding of the roles of neurons at a synapse.

Key Terms:

  • Presynaptic Neuron: Sends the signal.

  • Postsynaptic Neuron: Receives the signal.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define presynaptic neuron and its function.

  2. Define postsynaptic neuron and its function.

  3. Explain the direction of signal transmission at the synapse.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q19. What is the difference between a chemical and an electrical synapse?

Background

Topic: Types of Synapses

This question is about the mechanisms by which neurons communicate.

Key Terms:

  • Chemical Synapse: Uses neurotransmitters.

  • Electrical Synapse: Direct electrical connection.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define chemical synapse and its mechanism.

  2. Define electrical synapse and its mechanism.

  3. Compare the speed and flexibility of each type.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q20. What is the difference between a receptor and an effector?

Background

Topic: Nervous System Components

This question tests your understanding of the roles of receptors and effectors in the nervous system.

Key Terms:

  • Receptor: Detects stimuli.

  • Effector: Responds to stimuli.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define what a receptor is and its function.

  2. Define what an effector is and its function.

  3. Explain how information flows from receptor to effector.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q21. What is the difference between a reflex and a voluntary response?

Background

Topic: Types of Responses

This question is about distinguishing between automatic and conscious responses.

Key Terms:

  • Reflex: Automatic, involuntary response.

  • Voluntary Response: Conscious, controlled response.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define reflex and its characteristics.

  2. Define voluntary response and its characteristics.

  3. Compare the neural pathways involved in each.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q22. What is the difference between a primary and secondary immune response?

Background

Topic: Immune Response

This question tests your understanding of how the immune system reacts to pathogens over time.

Key Terms:

  • Primary Response: First exposure to antigen.

  • Secondary Response: Subsequent exposure, faster and stronger.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define primary immune response and its features.

  2. Define secondary immune response and its features.

  3. Compare the speed and strength of each response.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q23. Describe the functions of phagocytic cells, B lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes.

Background

Topic: Immune Cell Functions

This question is about the roles of different immune cells in defending the body.

Key Terms:

  • Phagocytic Cells: Engulf and digest pathogens.

  • B Lymphocytes: Produce antibodies.

  • T Lymphocytes: Destroy infected cells.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the function of phagocytic cells.

  2. Describe the function of B lymphocytes.

  3. Describe the function of T lymphocytes.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q24. Distinguish between innate and acquired immunity.

Background

Topic: Types of Immunity

This question tests your understanding of the differences between immunity you are born with and immunity you develop.

Key Terms:

  • Innate Immunity: Non-specific, immediate defense.

  • Acquired Immunity: Specific, develops after exposure.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define innate immunity and its characteristics.

  2. Define acquired immunity and its characteristics.

  3. Compare the mechanisms and effectiveness of each.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q25. Describe how vaccines are designed to work.

Background

Topic: Vaccines

This question is about the principles behind vaccine development and their role in immunity.

Key Terms:

  • Vaccine: Stimulates immune response without causing disease.

  • Antigen: Substance that triggers immune response.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Explain what a vaccine is and how it is administered.

  2. Describe how vaccines stimulate the immune system.

  3. Discuss the role of memory cells in vaccine effectiveness.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

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