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Central Nervous System Essay

Satisfactory Essays

Judy Vang
Professor Aaron
Biol-5-20345, MW 12:30-11:45am
26 Aug. 2016
Homework 2
Concept Review questions:
1. Distinguish between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
The central nervous system (CNS) is the command center, comprising of the spinal cord and the brain. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) carries out those commands and comprises of all the nerves outside of the CNS.
2. Describe, in terms of the opening and closing of ion channels and the subsequent diffusion of ions, how the depolarization and repolarization phases of an action potential take place.
The depolarization phase of an action potential take place when the sodium ion channels open and sodium ions enters the neuron. Repolarization phase of …show more content…

Describe the functions of neuroglial cells.
The function of neuroglial cells is to support and protect neurons. Neuroglial cells in the CNS are called oligodendrocytes whereas neuroglial cells in the PNS is called Schwann cells. Both types of neuroglia cells create myelin to insulate neurons and speed up the transmission of neural messages, but only the Schwann cells in the PNS can aid in axon …show more content…

Describe the role of neurotransmitters in the function of neurons.
The role of neurotransmitters in the function of neurons is to transmit messages across the synaptic gap through an action potential by attaching themselves into binding sites of the next cell.

Other questions:
1. Describe the basic functions of the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobe.
The frontal lobe is responsible for movement, speaking, and thinking. The temporal lobe is responsible for understanding sounds and languages. The parietal lobe is responsible for understanding our sense of touch. The occipital lobe is responsible for understanding vision.
2. Where is the primary motor cortex located? What's its function? Where is the primary somatosensory cortex located? What's its function?
The primary motor cortex is located at the front of the frontal lobe. Its function is to direct voluntary movement. The primary somatosensory cortex is located in the parietal lobe and its function is to process information from the sense of touch and body

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