Name:_____________________________________

Section: ______________________

Act 7 : Nervous System Anatomy and Physiology

Functions of the Nervous System. In 1 or 2 sentences, state/describe each function in terms of:
1. Monitoring
changes______________________________________________________________

2. Interpretation of sensory
input_____________________________________________________

3. Effects
responses________________________________________________________________

4. Mental
activity__________________________________________________________________

5. Homeostasis_____________________________________________________________
_______

Anatomy of the Nervous System

The nervous system does not work alone to regulate and maintain body homeostasis; the
endocrine system is a second important regulating system.
Organization of the Nervous System

We only have one nervous system, but, because of its complexity, it is difficult to consider all of
its parts at the same time; so, to simplify its study, we divide it in terms of its structures
(structural classification) or in terms of its activities (functional classification).

Structural Classification

The structural classification, which includes all of the nervous system organs, has two
subdivisions- the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Describe each
subdivision in 1 or 2 sentences.

Central nervous system (CNS):____________________________________________________

Functional Classification

The functional classification scheme is concerned only with PNS structures. In 1 or 2 sentences,
answer the terms given below:

 Sensory division. ___________________________________________________

 Somatic sensory fibers._____________________________________________

 Visceral sensory fibers. _____________________________________________

 Somatic nervous system. ___________________________________________

 Autonomic nervous system._________________________________________

Nervous Tissue: Structure and Function

Even though it is complex, nervous tissue is made up of just two principal types of cells-
supporting cells and neurons.

Supporting Cells

Supporting cells in the CNS are “lumped together” as neuroglia, literally mean “nerve glue”.

 Neuroglia. Neuroglia include many types of cells that generally support, insulate,
and protect the delicate neurons; in addition, each of the different types of
neuroglia, also simply called either glia or glial cells,has special functions.
 Astrocytes. These are abundant, star-shaped cells that account for nearly half of
the neural tissue; astrocytes form a living barrier between the capillaries and
neurons and play a role in making exchanges between the two so they could help
protect neurons from harmful substances that might be in the blood.
 Microglia. These are spiderlike phagocytes that dispose of debris, including dead
brain cells and bacteria.
 Ependymal cells. Ependymal cells are glial cells that line the central cavities of
the brain and the spinal cord; the beating of their cilia helps to circulate
the cerebrospinal fluid that fills those cavities and forms a protective cushion
around the CNS.
 Oligodendrocytes. These are glia that wrap their flat extensions tightly around
the nerve fibers, producing fatty insulating coverings called myelin sheaths.
 Schwann cells. Schwann cells form the myelin sheaths around nerve fibers that
are found in the PNS.
 Satellite cells. Satellite cells act as protective, cushioning cells.
Neurons

Neurons, also called nerve cells, are highly specialized to transmit messages (nerve impulses)
from one part of the body to another.
Answer the following in 1 or 2 sentences:

 Cell body. ________________________________________________________

 Processes. ________________________________________________________

 Axon hillock. ______________________________________________________

 Axon terminals.____________________________________________________

 Synaptic
cleft. ______________________________________________________
  Myelin
sheaths. _____________________________________________________

 Nodes of
Ranvier. ___________________________________________________

Cranial Nerves

The 12 pairs of cranial nerves primarily serve the head and the neck.
Describe the location and function of some of the cranial nerves (that do not have an answer)
below:

 Olfactory. Fibers arise from the olfactory receptors in the nasal mucosa and
synapse with the olfactory bulbs; its function is purely sensory, and it carries
impulses for the sense of smell.
 Optic. ____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
____________
 Oculomotor. Fibers run from the midbrain to the eye; it supplies motor fibers to
four of the six muscles (superior, inferior, and medial rectus, and inferior oblique)
that direct the eyeball; to the eyelid; and to the internal eye muscles controlling
lens shape and pupil size.
 Trochlear. ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
____________
 Trigeminal. Fibers emerge from the pons and form three divisions that run to the
face; it conducts sensory impulses from the skin of the face and mucosa of the
nose and mouth; also contains motor fibers that activate the chewing muscles.
 Abducens. ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
___________
 Facial. Fibers leave the pons and run to the face; it activates the muscles of facial
expression and the lacrimal and salivary glands; carries sensory impulses from the
taste buds of the anterior tongue.
 Vestibulocochlear. _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________
 Glossopharyngeal. Fibers emerge from the medulla and run to the throat; it
supplies motor fibers to the pharynx (throat) that promote swallowing and saliva
production; it carries sensory impulses from the taste buds of the posterior tongue
and from pressure receptors of the carotid artery.
 Vagus. ___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_____________
 Accessory. Fiber arise from the medulla and superior spinal cord and travel to
muscles of the neck and back; mostly motor fiber that activate the
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
 Hypoglossal. ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
___________

References:
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