1.The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of billions ofdiscrete cells that are not directly connected but are insteadconnected by synapses, which require neurotransmitters to pass asignal between cells. Why is this an advantage over a CNS in whichall the cells are directly connected? That is, what do we gain byhaving our brains made up of individual cells that don’tautomatically fire an action potential when they are stimulated?What are the drawbacks of the chemical synaptic nervous system? Canyou think of an idea of how to organize a nervous system that mightimprove upon the one we already have?
2. What are the consequences of a spinal injury in the thoracicregion of the spinal cord if the damage is to the gray matter? Whatabout a complete transection of the white matter in the thoracicregion? What body regions and functions that would be disrupted?Why is a white matter injury in the upper cervical region worsethan one lower down in the cord? Is the same true of gray matterinjuries? How do white matter injuries affect reflexes? How do graymatter injuries affect reflexes? Finally, what is your idea of whythe spinal cord is organized in the way it is (white mattersurrounding gray matter)?
