Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

1. What is the structure and function of the CNS? 2. What is the structure, func

ID: 3513140 • Letter: 1

Question

1. What is the structure and function of the CNS? 2. What is the structure, functions of the different divisions of the PNS? 3. What are the 4 types of CNS neuroglia and the 2 PNS neuroglia. Describe their functions. 4. What is a graded potential? 5. What are the steps of an action potential? 6. What are the main neurotransmitters used in the nervous system? 1. What is the structure and function of the CNS? 2. What is the structure, functions of the different divisions of the PNS? 3. What are the 4 types of CNS neuroglia and the 2 PNS neuroglia. Describe their functions. 4. What is a graded potential? 5. What are the steps of an action potential? 6. What are the main neurotransmitters used in the nervous system? 1. What is the structure and function of the CNS? 2. What is the structure, functions of the different divisions of the PNS? 3. What are the 4 types of CNS neuroglia and the 2 PNS neuroglia. Describe their functions. 4. What is a graded potential? 5. What are the steps of an action potential? 6. What are the main neurotransmitters used in the nervous system?

Explanation / Answer

1. What is the structure and function of the CNS?

It consists of brain and spinal cord.The brain plays a central role in the control of most bodily functions, including awareness, movements, sensations, thoughts, speech, and memory. Some reflex movements can occur via spinal cord pathways without the participation of brain structures.The spinal cord is connected to a section of the brain called the brainstem and runs through the spinal canal. Cranial nerves exit the brainstem. Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and also circulates within the cavities (called ventricles) of the central nervous system.The meninges surround the brain and the spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid circulates between 2 meningeal layers called the pia matter and the arachnoid (or pia-arachnoid membranes).The outer, thicker layer serves the role of a protective shield and is called the dura matter.

2. What is the structure, functions of the different divisions of the PNS?

The PNS includes the cranial nerves and spinal nerves, sensory receptors and ganglia (cell bodies (somas) of neurons that lie outside the CNS). The nerves connect all other parts of the body with the CNS.

3. What are the 4 types of CNS neuroglia and the 2 PNS neuroglia. Describe their functions.

Neuroglia in the CNS include astrocytes, microglial cells, ependymal cells, and oligodendrocytes

Astrocytes are delicate, star-shaped branching glial cells. They support and brace the neurons and anchor them to their nutrient supply lines.Astrocytes also regulate the external chemical environment of neurons by removing excess ions and recycling neurotransmitters released during synaptic transmission.

Neuroglia in the PNS include Schwann cells and satellite cells.

4. What is a graded potential?

Graded potentials are changes in membrane potential that vary in size, as opposed to being all-or-none. They arise from the summation of the individual actions of ligand-gated ion channel proteins, and decrease over time and space. The magnitude of a graded potential is determined by the strength of the stimulus.

5. What are the steps of an action potential?

6. What are the main neurotransmitters used in the nervous system?

Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter to be discovered, and proved the validity of the chemical nature of synapses.

Acetylcholine works both in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

Glutamate is an amino acid that also serves as a neurotransmitter. It is the major excitatoryneurotransmiter in the CNS.

Serotonin is also called 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and is derived from the amino acid tryptophan.

Norepinephrine and Noradrenaline refer to the exact same neurotransmitter. I find the term noradrenaline to be more descriptive, and is used in most countries.

GABA, (or -Aminobutyric acid ) is a derivative of glutamate, but is a major inhibitory neurotransmiter.