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Detailed Notes on Nervous System PDF: Anatomy, Functions, and Action Potential

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Bianca Stratford

2/11/2023

AP Biology

nervous system notes

Detailed Notes on Nervous System PDF: Anatomy, Functions, and Action Potential

The comprehensive guide to the nervous system anatomy and physiology PDF explores the intricate workings of neural communication and control systems in the body. This detailed resource covers everything from basic neuron structure and function to complex neural pathways and brain anatomy.

Key aspects include:

  • Detailed examination of nervous system parts and functions
  • In-depth coverage of nerve cell function and structure
  • Comprehensive explanation of the 7 steps of action potential
  • Analysis of central nervous system components
  • Exploration of neural communication mechanisms
...

2/11/2023

66

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

View

Neuron Structure and Types

Neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system, have distinct structural components that enable their function. The cell body, or cyton, contains important cellular structures:

  1. Nissl's granules tigroidbodytigroid body: Involved in protein synthesis
  2. Neurofibrils: Aid in internal conduction

The axon, a key component for signal transmission, can be either myelinated or non-myelinated. Myelinated axons in the central nervous system are covered by oligodendrocytes, while those in the peripheral nervous system are wrapped by Schwann cells.

Neurons can be classified based on their function:

  1. Sensory neurons receptorsreceptors
  2. Motor neurons effectorseffectors
  3. Interneurons interconnectinginterconnecting

Definition: Myelin sheath - A fatty insulating layer around some axons that speeds up signal transmission.

Example: The thyroxine hormone, along with vitamin B12, plays a crucial role in the multiplication and division of neurons during embryonic development.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

View

Factors Affecting Neuron Function

Several factors influence the functioning of neurons in the nervous system. Key among these are:

  1. Na-K pump ActivetransportActive transport: This protein actively moves sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane, maintaining the resting potential.
  2. Ion channels PassivetransportPassive transport: These channel proteins allow specific ions to move across the membrane based on concentration gradients.
  3. Negatively charged proteins and associated anions: These contribute to the overall charge distribution across the neuron membrane.

The brain's functional areas play crucial roles in various processes:

  • Motor areas control movement
  • Sensory areas process incoming sensory information
  • Association areas integrate information and are involved in higher cognitive functions

Highlight: The balance of ions across the neuron membrane is critical for proper nervous system function and signal transmission.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

View

Action Potential Generation

The action potential is a key process in nervous system physiology, involving several stages:

  1. Polarization RestingStateResting State: The neuron maintains a resting membrane potential of about -70mV.
  2. Depolarization: A stimulus causes sodium channels to open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the cell. This raises the membrane potential to the threshold level about55mVabout -55mV.
  3. Rising Phase: If the threshold is reached, more voltage-gated sodium channels open, causing a rapid influx of sodium ions. The membrane potential quickly rises to about +30 to +45mV.
  4. Repolarization: Potassium channels open, and potassium ions flow out of the cell. Simultaneously, sodium channels close. This causes the membrane potential to return towards the resting level.
  5. Hyperpolarization: The membrane potential briefly becomes more negative than the resting state due to the continued outflow of potassium ions.

Vocabulary: Threshold potential - The minimum membrane potential that triggers an action potential.

Highlight: The 7 steps of action potential involve polarization, depolarization, rising phase, peak, falling phase, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

View

Nervous System Components

The central nervous system CNSCNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are protected by several layers:

  1. Dura mater: The outermost tough protective layer
  2. Arachnoid mater: The middle layer
  3. Pia mater: The innermost layer, closely adhering to the brain and spinal cord

The brain contains fluid-filled cavities called ventricles:

  1. Two lateral ventricles
  2. Third ventricle
  3. Cerebral aqueduct
  4. Fourth ventricle

Cerebrospinal fluid CSFCSF is produced by the choroid plexus and circulates through these ventricles, providing cushioning and nutrients.

Definition: Choroid plexus - A network of blood vessels and cells in the ventricles that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Highlight: The central nervous system is well-protected by meninges and bathed in cerebrospinal fluid, which provides both physical and chemical protection.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

View

Brain Structure and Development

The brain develops from the neural tube, which forms five primary vesicles:

  1. Telencephalon formsthecerebrumforms the cerebrum
  2. Diencephalon formsthethalamusandhypothalamusforms the thalamus and hypothalamus
  3. Mesencephalon formsthemidbrainforms the midbrain
  4. Metencephalon formstheponsandcerebellumforms the pons and cerebellum
  5. Myelencephalon formsthemedullaoblongataforms the medulla oblongata

The cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, consists of gray matter cortexcortex and white matter. It is divided into several lobes, each with specific functions:

  • Frontal lobe: Motor control, planning, reasoning
  • Parietal lobe: Sensory processing
  • Temporal lobe: Auditory processing, memory
  • Occipital lobe: Visual processing

Example: The Broca's area in the frontal lobe is responsible for speech production, while Wernicke's area in the temporal lobe is involved in language comprehension.

Highlight: Understanding the nervous system anatomy and physiology is crucial for comprehending how different brain regions contribute to various functions.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

View

Limbic System and Hypothalamus

The limbic system is a group of interconnected structures involved in emotion, behavior, and memory. Key components include:

  1. Amygdala: Processes emotions, particularly fear and aggression
  2. Hippocampus: Crucial for forming new memories and spatial navigation

The hypothalamus is a small but vital structure that serves as a link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Its functions include:

  1. Regulating behavior and emotions
  2. Controlling the endocrine system through the pituitary gland
  3. Thermoregulation
  4. Autonomic nervous system control
  5. Maintaining the body's biological clock

The olfactory system, responsible for the sense of smell, consists of:

  1. Olfactory bulbs: Receive input from olfactory receptors in the nose
  2. Olfactory tract: Transmits information to other brain areas
  3. Olfactory cortex: Processes and interprets smell information

Vocabulary: Olfactory - Relating to the sense of smell.

Highlight: The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by integrating nervous system function with endocrine system control.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

View

Page 8: Cerebellar Functions

This final page focuses on the cerebellum's role in motor control and balance.

Definition: The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance.

Highlight: The cerebellum's function is essential for activities requiring precise motor control.

Example: Activities like skiing require constant cerebellar input for maintaining balance and coordination.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

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AP Biology

66

Feb 11, 2023

8 pages

Detailed Notes on Nervous System PDF: Anatomy, Functions, and Action Potential

The comprehensive guide to the nervous system anatomy and physiology PDF explores the intricate workings of neural communication and control systems in the body. This detailed resource covers everything from basic neuron structure and functionto complex neural pathways and... Show more

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

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Neuron Structure and Types

Neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system, have distinct structural components that enable their function. The cell body, or cyton, contains important cellular structures:

  1. Nissl's granules tigroidbodytigroid body: Involved in protein synthesis
  2. Neurofibrils: Aid in internal conduction

The axon, a key component for signal transmission, can be either myelinated or non-myelinated. Myelinated axons in the central nervous system are covered by oligodendrocytes, while those in the peripheral nervous system are wrapped by Schwann cells.

Neurons can be classified based on their function:

  1. Sensory neurons receptorsreceptors
  2. Motor neurons effectorseffectors
  3. Interneurons interconnectinginterconnecting

Definition: Myelin sheath - A fatty insulating layer around some axons that speeds up signal transmission.

Example: The thyroxine hormone, along with vitamin B12, plays a crucial role in the multiplication and division of neurons during embryonic development.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

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Factors Affecting Neuron Function

Several factors influence the functioning of neurons in the nervous system. Key among these are:

  1. Na-K pump ActivetransportActive transport: This protein actively moves sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane, maintaining the resting potential.
  2. Ion channels PassivetransportPassive transport: These channel proteins allow specific ions to move across the membrane based on concentration gradients.
  3. Negatively charged proteins and associated anions: These contribute to the overall charge distribution across the neuron membrane.

The brain's functional areas play crucial roles in various processes:

  • Motor areas control movement
  • Sensory areas process incoming sensory information
  • Association areas integrate information and are involved in higher cognitive functions

Highlight: The balance of ions across the neuron membrane is critical for proper nervous system function and signal transmission.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Action Potential Generation

The action potential is a key process in nervous system physiology, involving several stages:

  1. Polarization RestingStateResting State: The neuron maintains a resting membrane potential of about -70mV.
  2. Depolarization: A stimulus causes sodium channels to open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the cell. This raises the membrane potential to the threshold level about55mVabout -55mV.
  3. Rising Phase: If the threshold is reached, more voltage-gated sodium channels open, causing a rapid influx of sodium ions. The membrane potential quickly rises to about +30 to +45mV.
  4. Repolarization: Potassium channels open, and potassium ions flow out of the cell. Simultaneously, sodium channels close. This causes the membrane potential to return towards the resting level.
  5. Hyperpolarization: The membrane potential briefly becomes more negative than the resting state due to the continued outflow of potassium ions.

Vocabulary: Threshold potential - The minimum membrane potential that triggers an action potential.

Highlight: The 7 steps of action potential involve polarization, depolarization, rising phase, peak, falling phase, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

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Nervous System Components

The central nervous system CNSCNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are protected by several layers:

  1. Dura mater: The outermost tough protective layer
  2. Arachnoid mater: The middle layer
  3. Pia mater: The innermost layer, closely adhering to the brain and spinal cord

The brain contains fluid-filled cavities called ventricles:

  1. Two lateral ventricles
  2. Third ventricle
  3. Cerebral aqueduct
  4. Fourth ventricle

Cerebrospinal fluid CSFCSF is produced by the choroid plexus and circulates through these ventricles, providing cushioning and nutrients.

Definition: Choroid plexus - A network of blood vessels and cells in the ventricles that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Highlight: The central nervous system is well-protected by meninges and bathed in cerebrospinal fluid, which provides both physical and chemical protection.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

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Brain Structure and Development

The brain develops from the neural tube, which forms five primary vesicles:

  1. Telencephalon formsthecerebrumforms the cerebrum
  2. Diencephalon formsthethalamusandhypothalamusforms the thalamus and hypothalamus
  3. Mesencephalon formsthemidbrainforms the midbrain
  4. Metencephalon formstheponsandcerebellumforms the pons and cerebellum
  5. Myelencephalon formsthemedullaoblongataforms the medulla oblongata

The cerebrum, the largest part of the brain, consists of gray matter cortexcortex and white matter. It is divided into several lobes, each with specific functions:

  • Frontal lobe: Motor control, planning, reasoning
  • Parietal lobe: Sensory processing
  • Temporal lobe: Auditory processing, memory
  • Occipital lobe: Visual processing

Example: The Broca's area in the frontal lobe is responsible for speech production, while Wernicke's area in the temporal lobe is involved in language comprehension.

Highlight: Understanding the nervous system anatomy and physiology is crucial for comprehending how different brain regions contribute to various functions.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Limbic System and Hypothalamus

The limbic system is a group of interconnected structures involved in emotion, behavior, and memory. Key components include:

  1. Amygdala: Processes emotions, particularly fear and aggression
  2. Hippocampus: Crucial for forming new memories and spatial navigation

The hypothalamus is a small but vital structure that serves as a link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Its functions include:

  1. Regulating behavior and emotions
  2. Controlling the endocrine system through the pituitary gland
  3. Thermoregulation
  4. Autonomic nervous system control
  5. Maintaining the body's biological clock

The olfactory system, responsible for the sense of smell, consists of:

  1. Olfactory bulbs: Receive input from olfactory receptors in the nose
  2. Olfactory tract: Transmits information to other brain areas
  3. Olfactory cortex: Processes and interprets smell information

Vocabulary: Olfactory - Relating to the sense of smell.

Highlight: The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by integrating nervous system function with endocrine system control.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Page 8: Cerebellar Functions

This final page focuses on the cerebellum's role in motor control and balance.

Definition: The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance.

Highlight: The cerebellum's function is essential for activities requiring precise motor control.

Example: Activities like skiing require constant cerebellar input for maintaining balance and coordination.

NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Endocrine System
↓
Slow speed coordination
Nervous System
+
High speed coordination
Homeastatic State (tendency of body to re

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Nervous System Overview

The nervous system is a vital component of the body's regulatory mechanisms, working in tandem with the endocrine system to maintain homeostasis. While the endocrine system provides slow-speed coordination, the nervous system offers high-speed coordination, allowing for rapid responses to stimuli.

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system is the neuron. Neurons consist of several key parts:

  1. Cyton cellbodyorpericaryoncell body or pericaryon: The main regulating part
  2. Dendrites: Processes that receive signals
  3. Axon: The main functional part for transmitting signals

Supporting the neurons are neuroglia cells, which provide essential functions such as packaging, protection, support, and nutrition to the neurons.

Vocabulary: Homeostasis - The tendency of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.

Highlight: The nervous system's ability to provide high-speed coordination is crucial for rapid responses to environmental changes and internal stimuli.

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Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user