Question

The diagram given alongside is a representation of a certain phenomenon pertaining to the nervous system. Study the diagram and answer the following questions:

1. Name the phenomenon that is being depicted.
2. Give the technical term for the point of contact between the two nerve cells.
3. Name the parts 1, 2, 3, and 4.
4. Write the functions of parts 5 and 6.
5. How does the arrangement of neurons in the spinal cord differ from that of the brain?

Answer 1

1. Reflex action
2. The term for the point of contact between the two nerve cells is called the synapse.
3. 1: Effector organ
   2: Dorsal root ganglion
   3: White matter
   4: Grey matter
4. Functions of part 5 (Central canal): It contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides mechanical protection, cushions the spinal cord, and serves as a medium for nutrient and waste exchange.
   Functions of part 6 (Receptor/Sensory receptor in skin): It contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides mechanical protection, cushions the spinal cord, and serves as a medium for nutrient and waste exchange.
5. The arrangement of neurons in the spinal cord differs from that of the brain. In the brain, grey matter is present on the outside and white matter on the inner side. In the spinal cord, white matter is present on the outside and grey matter on the inner side.