Overview of the Nervous System - AP Psychology

Identify the type of neuron that carries signals to the CNS.

Sensory neurons. Also called afferent neurons; detect environmental changes.
Which cells support and protect neurons?

Glial cells. Provide structural support, nutrition, and immune protection.
Identify the primary function of the occipital lobe.

To process visual information. Contains primary visual cortex at brain's back.
Identify the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Work in opposition to maintain bodily balance.
Identify the brain region responsible for speech production.

Broca's area. Located in left frontal lobe; damage causes speech difficulties.
What is the role of the myelin sheath?

To insulate axons and speed up impulse transmission. Fatty layer that increases signal speed up to 100x faster.
Identify the gap between two neurons.

Synaptic cleft. Tiny space where neurotransmitters cross between neurons.
What is the role of the frontal lobe?

To control voluntary movement and cognitive functions. Houses personality, decision-making, and motor cortex.
What chemical substances are released at synapses?

Neurotransmitters. Chemical messengers that enable neural communication.
Which brain structure regulates emotions and drives?

The limbic system. Includes hippocampus, amygdala, and other emotional centers.
What function does the parietal lobe serve?

To process sensory information. Integrates touch, temperature, pain, and spatial awareness.
Which cells form the myelin sheath in the CNS?

Oligodendrocytes. Specialized glial cells that myelinate central nervous system axons.
What role does the parasympathetic nervous system play?

To promote 'rest and digest' activities. Conserves energy and promotes recovery after stress.
What is the main function of the nervous system?

To coordinate body activities by transmitting signals. Acts as the body's control system, integrating and responding to stimuli.
What is the primary role of neurons?

To transmit nerve impulses. Specialized cells that conduct electrical signals throughout the body.
Which neurons transmit signals from the CNS to muscles?

Motor neurons. Also called efferent neurons; enable movement and responses.
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

To control involuntary bodily functions. Controls heart rate, breathing, and other automatic processes.
What is the function of the ventral root of a spinal nerve?

To carry motor information from the CNS. Contains motor neuron axons exiting spinal cord.
Which area of the brain is involved in language comprehension?

Wernicke's area. Located in temporal lobe; damage impairs language understanding.
What is the primary neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic system?

Acetylcholine. Promotes calming, restorative functions like digestion.
What is the largest part of the human brain?

The cerebrum. Contains four lobes responsible for higher-order thinking.
What structure connects the two hemispheres of the brain?

The corpus callosum. Thick bundle of nerve fibers enabling brain hemisphere communication.
What is the dorsal root of a spinal nerve responsible for?

To carry sensory information to the CNS. Contains sensory neuron cell bodies entering spinal cord.
Identify the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord.

The meninges. Three protective membranes that cushion neural tissue.
What is the function of the brainstem?

To regulate basic life functions such as breathing. Includes medulla, pons, and midbrain; controls survival functions.
What is the primary neurotransmitter in the sympathetic system?

Norepinephrine. Activates fight-or-flight responses and arousal.
What is an action potential?

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential. The electrical signal that travels down a neuron's axon.
Identify the function of the spinal cord.

To transmit information between the body and brain. Protected highway for neural signals traveling to/from brain.
What is the function of interneurons?

To connect sensory and motor neurons. Found in CNS; enable complex processing and reflexes.
What are the components of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The brain and spinal cord. Brain controls thoughts and behavior; spinal cord relays signals.
What is the main role of the temporal lobe?

To process auditory information and memory. Houses auditory cortex and hippocampus for memory formation.
Which part of the brain regulates balance and coordination?

The cerebellum. Located behind brainstem; coordinates smooth movements.
Define 'synapse' in the context of neural communication.

A junction between two neurons. Where chemical communication occurs between neurons.
What is the role of Schwann cells?

To produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system. Wrap around axons to form protective myelin coating.
What is the blood-brain barrier?

A selective permeability barrier protecting the brain. Filters harmful substances while allowing nutrients through.
Identify the two main parts of the nervous system.

Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System. CNS processes information; PNS connects CNS to body parts.
What structures are included in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

Cranial nerves and spinal nerves. All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
What is the primary function of the thalamus?

To relay sensory information to the cerebral cortex. Acts as brain's relay station for sensory input.
What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?

To prepare the body for 'fight or flight'. Increases heart rate, dilates pupils, releases stress hormones.
What is the main function of the hypothalamus?

To regulate homeostasis and endocrine functions. Controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, and hormone release.

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