- What is the conduit via which the neurological system operates?
- What is the effect of secretion of ANS?
a. Increases urination frequency
b. Constricts blood vessels
c. Dilates blood vessels
d. Decreases urination frequency
The correct answer and explanation is:
1. What is the conduit via which the neurological system operates?
The conduit through which the neurological system operates is the nervous system, specifically via neurons and nerve fibers. Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, designed to transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body. These signals travel along pathways made of sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons to communicate between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord, serving as the control center for processing and sending signals.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes all other neural pathways outside the CNS, further divided into the somatic nervous system (voluntary control) and autonomic nervous system (involuntary control).
The nervous system uses synaptic connections to transfer signals between neurons and tissues, ensuring rapid communication to regulate bodily functions.
2. What is the effect of secretion of the ANS?
Correct Answer:
b. Constricts blood vessels
Explanation:
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological processes like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and urination. It has two divisions:
- Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Activates the “fight-or-flight” response during stress or emergencies. It constricts blood vessels to increase blood pressure, ensuring blood flow to vital organs like the brain and muscles. This also decreases urination frequency, as blood flow is diverted away from non-essential functions.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Manages the “rest-and-digest” state, promoting relaxation and recovery. It dilates blood vessels, enhances digestion, and increases urination frequency.
When the ANS secretes neurotransmitters (e.g., norepinephrine from the sympathetic branch), it causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). This process helps maintain blood pressure and redirect blood flow efficiently. Conversely, the parasympathetic branch releases acetylcholine, which has the opposite effect in non-stressful conditions.
The overall effect depends on the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, with vasoconstriction being a hallmark of sympathetic activation.