1.

SENSATIONS AND RESPONSES

CONTENT
• External and internal stimuli
• Neuron -structure, Impulse generation and transmission.
• Types of nerve.
• Central nervous system
- Brain & Spinal cord – structure and functions.
- Reflex actions
• Peripheral nervous system
- Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves
• Disorders of nervous system
- Alzheime'rs, Parkinsons & Epilepsy.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Define stimulus.
The senses that evoke responses in organisms are called stimuli. These are two types,
External stimuli :- Sound, touch, heat, chemicals, pressure, cold, radiations.
Internal stimuli :- Hunger, touch, infection, pressure variation, thirst, exhaust.
2. What is the function of nervous system ?
To generate and coordinate responses according to external and internal changes.
3. Name the parts included in our nervous system.
Brain, spinal cord, nerves and receptors.
4.The structural and functional units of the nervous system ?
Neurons (nerve cells).
5. Structure of a model neuron.
dendrites
Dendron axonite
Axon

Synaptic knobs
Cell body /Cyton Myelin sheath / Scwann cells
A neuron has mainly the following parts; a cyton (cell body), impulse receiving dendrons (branches are
known as dendrites), impulse transmitting axon (branches are axonites) and synaptic knobs for secreting
neurotransmitter.
In certain neurons, the nerve fibres are covered by myelin sheath, made up of white shining
Schwann cells.

6. The protective covering of nerve fibres (axons) ? Mention its function.

Myelin sheath.
• Provide nutrients and oxygen to the axon.
• Accelerate impulses.
• Act as an electric insulator.
• Protects the axon from external shocks.
• Gives white appearance ('white matter') to the neural parts.

7. Differentiate between white matter and grey matter.

The part of nerve, where myelinated neurons are present in abundance,is called as the white matter.
The part of nerve where the cell bodies and nonmyelinated neurons are present, is called as the grey matter.
8. Table showing the function of different parts of nerve cell.
Part of nerve cell Function
Dendrite Receives impulses
Dendron Carries impulses from dendrite to the cell body
Cyton / Cellbody Passes impulses to the axon.
Axon Carries impulses from the cell body to outside.
Schwann cells Protects the axon and increases the speed of impulse
Axonite Carries impulses to the synaptic knob
Synaptic knob Secretes neurotransmitter

9. Name the swollen ends of axon . How is it important in the transmission of impulse ?
Synaptic knobs, from which neurotransmitter secretes. The impulses are transmitted across the synaptic
cleft only through a chemical (neurotransmitter), secreted from the synaptic knobs.
10. Give example for neurotransmitter.
Acetyl choline (Dopamine is another example)
11. Define synapse.
The junction between neurons or between neurons and muscles or glands is known as the synapse.
It helps to regulate the speed and direction of impulses. The impulses are transmitted
across the synaptic cleft only through a chemical (neurotransmitter), secreted from the
synaptic knobs.
12. The electrical messages conducted through nerves ?
Impulses
13.How is an impulse generated ?
The difference in the distribution of ions maintains positive charge on the outer surface and negative charge
inside the plasma membrane of the receptor part of neuron. When stimulated, this ionic equilibrium
(polarity) changes there and the outer surface becomes negatively charged and inner become
positively charged. As a result, impulse generated. This charge difference stimulates its adjacent parts
and similar changes occur there too. Thus a continuous flow of the impulse becomes possible.

14. How is the impulses transmits through the neurons ?

Impulse due to stimulus dendrites dendrons cyton axon axonites
synaptic knob secretion of neurotransmitter to the synaptic cleft Stimulation in the adjacent
dendrites Impulse forms.

When impulses reach at the synaptic knobs, a chemical substance, known as neurotransmitter, released
in the synaptic cleft. This chemical stimulates the adjacent dendrites to form new electric impulses.

15. Name the two types of neurons ?

Sensory neurons – (carry impulses from different body parts to the brain and spinal cord)
Motor neurons - ( carry impulses from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of body)
16. Define a nerve ?
A nerve is a group of axons or nerve fibres, covered by connective tissue.
17. Show different kinds of nerves with their functions in a table.
Sensory nerves Carry impulses from sense organs to the brain and
(consists of sensory neurons) spinal cord
Motor nerves Carry impulses from brain and spinal cord to different
(consists of motor neurons) organs
Mixed nerves Carry impulses from brain and spinal cord to different
(consists of sensory and motor neurons) organs and vise versa

Prepared by RASHEED ODAKKAL , 9846626323, GVHSS Kondotty, for www.mathematicschool.blogspot.in

18. How is human nervous system classified ?
Central Nervous System Peripheral Nervous System

- Brain - Cranial nerves (12 pairs)

- Spinal cord - Spinal nerves (31 pairs)

19. The protective measures for human brain ?

The brain is protected inside a hard skull and is covered by a three layered membrane, called the meninges.
Cerebrospinal fluid,a fluid formed inside the meninges, also protects the brain.
20. The outer covering of brain and spinal cord ?
Meninges.
21. The fluid which provides nutrients and oxygen to brain tissues ?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
22. How is the CSF form? Give its function ?
Cerebrospinal fluid is a fluid formed from the blood inside the meninges and eventually reabsorbed to
the blood. Functions of CSF are,
• CSF provides nutrients and oxygen to brain tissues.
• Regulates the pressure inside the brain.
• Protects brain from injuries.
23. Name the functional parts of human brain.
Human brain has outer cerebrum, cerebellum and medulla oblongata and inner thalamus and hypothalamus.

Cerebrum

Thalamus

Hypothalamus

Cerebellum

Medulla oblongata

24. Table showing different parts of brain, peculiar feature and functions of each.

Part of the Features Function

brain
Cerebrum The largest part of the brain with many fissures Centre of feeling senses and also the
and folds in its cortex. Cerebral cortex is seen as centre of qualities like thought,
grey matter and inner medulla as white matter. imagination, intelligence and memory.
Cerebellum The second largest part, seen as two flaps. Coordinates muscular activities and
maintains equilibrium of the body.
Medulla The rod shaped lower part Controls involuntary actions like heart
oblongata beat and breathing.
Thalamus The seat of cerebrum Acts as relay station of impulses to and
fro the cerebrum and also analyses the
impulses.
Hypothalam Seen just below the thalamus Plays a major role in the maintenance
us of homeostasis.

25. The largest part of human brain ?

Cerebrum.
26. The peripheral part of brain is the ----------- .
Cerebral cortex.
27. There are many fissures and folds in the cerebral cortex. What is the advantage of this ?
This is an adaptation to include more number of neurons and there by increase the efficiency of cerebrum.
28. Any mild injury to the medulla oblongata may lead to sudden death. Why ?
Medulla oblongata controls involuntary actions like heart beat and breathing. Any mild injury to medulla
oblongata results malfunctioning of breathing and heartbeat and this may lead to death.

29. A person could not walk easily after drinking alcoholic beverage. Can you say which part of his brain is
affected ?
Cerebellum, which maintains equilibrium of the body through muscular coordination.
30. After a road accident, a person lost his memory for a few days. In which part of his brain got injured ?
Cerebrum.
31. The central nerve, seen as the continuation of medulla oblongata ?
Spinal cord.
32. How is our spinal cord protected ?
Spinal cord is protected inside the vertebral column and is covered by the meninges.
33. The ------------- of the spinal cord is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
Central canal.
34. Describe the structure of our spinal cord.
Spinal cord, which is the continuation of medulla oblongata, is situated with in the vertebral column and is
covered by a three layered membrane, called meninges. The outer part of spinal cord is white matter and
inner is grey matter. The central canal at its centre is filled with CSF.
Spinal nerves originate from the spinal cord as dorsal root (sensory) and ventral root(motor).
Central canal (CSF)
Dorsal root (sensory)

White matter
Ventral root (motor)
Grey matter
35. Spinal cord : Sensory impulse : Dorsal root;
Spinal cord : Motor impulse : …................
Ventral root.
36. Mention the functions of spinal cord.
• Transmitting impulses from different parts of our body to and fro the brain.
• Coordinates the rapid and repeated movements during walking, running etc.
• Effects certain reflex actions.
37. What do you mean by reflex action ?
Reflex actions are the accidental and involuntary responses of the body, in response to a stimulus.
These are two types,
1. Cerebral reflexes (Eg:-Blinking of eyes, sudden fright when hearing a loud noise or seeing a
snake, sneezing)
2. Spinal reflexes (Eg :- On touching hot object, the hand is withdrawn, withdrawal of the leg
when a spine pierce in to the feet)
38.The pathway of impulses in a reflex action.
Reflex arc. a c

39. What are the parts that involve in a reflex arc ?

b
a. stimulus receiving receptor
b. sensory neuron
c. inter neuron d
d. motor neuron
e. effecting muscles.
e
40. The central neuron, which converts sensory impulse in to motor impulse, is usually known as an --------- .
Inter neuron.
41. A few nerves in the peripheral nervous system that function automatically and involuntarily, is known as
------------ ?
Autonomous nervous system.
It includes sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.

42. How the contrasting actions of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems help to maintain the
normalcy of the physiological activities ?
Sympathetic and parasympathetics nervous system activate with or with out the endocrine gland system
involuntarily. The contrasting actions of both systems help to maintain the normalcy of the physiological
activities.

Action of Sympathetic nervous systems Action of Parasympathetic nervous systems

Eye Pupil dilates Pupil constricts
Heart Heartbeat increases Heartbeat becomes normal
Lungs Trachea expands Trachea contracts
Liver Glycogen converts to glucose Glucose converts to glycogen
Adrenal gland Hormone secretion increases Hormone secretion decreases
Urinary bladder Retain normal state Constricts
Salivary gland Production of saliva decreases Production of saliva increases
Stomach Working decreases Increases
Intestine Peristalsis slows down Peristalsis increases

43. List out the physiological changes that may occur when a boy facing the audience during a competition.
(see the activities of the sympathetic nerves)

44. The table showing neural disorders, reason and symptoms.

Disorder Cause Symptom

Alzheimer's Continuous degeneration of neurons due to Complete loss of memory.
the accumulation of an insoluble protein.
Parkinsons Degeneration of specific ganglia in the brain Loss of body balance. Tremor in muscles,
due to the deficiency of dopamine flow of saliva
Epilepsy Discharge of irregular electrical impulses Fits (due to uncontrolled muscular
from brain. contractions), frothy discharge from mouth,
clenching of teeth, unconsciousness

45. Name a neurotransmitter, which is secreted in the brain. What will happen when the production of this
hormone cease in a person ?
Dopamine.
The deficiency of dopamine may result a disease called parkinsons.

Prepared by RASHEED ODAKKAL, 9846626323, GVHSS Kondotty, for www.mathematicschool.blogspot.in