Anatomy Flashcards
Neurons
transmit messages from one part of the body to another.
Cell body
it is the metabolic center of the neuron
Dendrites
receive synaptic inputs from axons
Axon
It is where electrical impulses from the neuron travel away to be received by other neurons.
synapse cleft
Gap, provide space for chemical transmission of messages from the nervous system.
Myelin
Fat, speeds up transmission, without it, the transmission would slow down
Nodes of ranvier
Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath coating on the neural axon. The myelin allows the electrical impulse to move quickly down the axon. The nodes of Ranvier allow for ions to diffuse in and out of the neuron, propagating the electrical signal down the axon.
Brain stem
Controls basic life functions (heartbeat, breathing).
Medulla Oblongata
Regulates breathing, heart rate, and reflexes.
Pons:
Relays signals between the brain and spinal cord; regulates sleep.
Diencephalon:
Relays sensory info, controls emotions, and regulates hormones.
Hypothalamus:
Regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, and hormones.
Thalamus:
Relays sensory and motor signals to the cortex.
Cerebellum:
Coordinates movement and balance.
Cerebrum:
Controls higher brain functions (thinking, memory, etc.).
Frontal Lobe:
Controls reasoning, planning, and movement.
Temporal Lobe:
Processes auditory information and memory.
Parietal Lobe:
Processes sensory information (touch, temperature).
Occipital Lobe:
Processes visual information.
Corpus Callosum
Connects the two hemispheres of the brain.
Spinal Cord
Transmits signals between brain and body.
Spinal Nerves:
Transmit signals between the spinal cord and body.
Cranial Nerves:
Transmit signals between the brain and head/neck.
Olfactory:
Responsible for smell.
Optic:
Responsible for vision.
Facial:
Controls facial muscles, taste (front of the tongue).
Vestibulocochlear:
Controls hearing and balance.
Accessory:
Controls neck and shoulder muscles.
