NEUROPHYSIOLOGY REVIEW QUESTIONS

Neurophysiology Review Questions 1. List several of the basic functions of the nervous system. The basic function of the nervous system is to receive, transmit, and interpret information about the internal and external environment (sensory system) and to organize and carry out actions (motor system). The nervous system uses information from memories, intrinsic goals and drives the organism on a course of action to execute behavioral response. 2. Describe the division of the nervous system with focus on the receptor types and examples of their respective ligands (i.e., neurotransmitters). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is in the CNS that all of the analysis of information takes place. The PNS consists of the neurons and parts of neurons found outside the CNS. This includes sensory neurons (bring signals into the CNS) and motor neurons (carry signals of of the CNS).  Peripheral o Autonomic  Sympathetic- Fight or flight NT =norepinephrine  Receptors- alpha and betas  Parasympathetic rest and digest NT Acetylcholine  Receptors – nicotonic and muscarinic o Somatic – receptor =Nicotonic 3. Draw out the important steps in neurotransmission. Be sure to include important components such as the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, neurotransmitters, and receptors. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY REVIEW QUESTIONS ● Action potential signals release of neurotransmitters in presynaptic neuron. ● Neurotransmitter acts at synapse/synaptic cleft (space in between presynaptic neuron and postsynaptic neuron) ● Binds with receptors at postsynaptic neuron 4. Compare and contrast the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system. In your response, consider their respective neurotransmitters, the innervations of specific organs and tissues, the respective lengths of the pre- and postganglionic fibers, and their overall physiologic activities. ● Term “ganglion” refers to Peripheral Nervous System, specifically autonomic nervous system Divisions of Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic Parasympathetic Neurotransmitters NT: Norepinephrine a1, a2 receptors B1, B2, B3 receptors NT: Acetylcholine Muscarinic receptors Nicotinic receptors Innervations of organs and tissue Eye, salivary gland, blood vessels-head/neck/trunk/ lower extremities, heart, respiratory tract, sweat glands, liver, spleen, small intestine, adrenal gland, genitals, colon, bladder, rectum Eye, lacrimal gland, salivary gland, heart, respiratory tract, stomach, small intestine, proximal colon, kidneys, ureters, bladder, distal colon, rectum, genitals Lengths of pre and postganglionic fibers ● Preganglionic fibers short; arise from thoracic and lumbar spine ● Long postganglionic fibers extend across most of body ● Preganglionic fibers long; arise directly from CNS (medulla) and sacral; extend into ganglion that is close or embedded in target organ ● Postganglionic fibers very short Physiologic activities Dilation of pupils, increased heart rate, decrease motility of large intestine, constrict blood vessels, increase perspiration Constriction of pupil, slow heart rate, increased digestion, BP decrease, dilate blood vessels 5. Draw out a typical nerve cell (neuron). Discuss how the specialized structure of this cell is important for the generation and propagation of action potentials.