Anatomy of the Somatic Nervous System Flashcards
1
Q
Somatic vs autonomic
A
- Somatic = voluntary functions
- Autonomic = involuntary functions
2
Q
3 divisions of autonomic nervous system
A
- Sympathetic (fight or flight)
- Parasympathetic (rest and digest)
- Enteric (gut)
3
Q
Components of the peripheral nervous system
A
- 31 spinal nerve pairs
- 12 cranial nerve pairs
- Ganglia
- Nerve plexuses
- Enteric nervous system
4
Q
What is a ganglion?
A
Swelling/bundle of neuronal cell bodies
5
Q
What is a nerve plexus?
A
Network of nerves (carrying both afferent and efferent)
6
Q
Components of a neuron (number of each present)
A
- Cell body (1)
- Dendrites (many)
- Axon (1)
- Terminal synapses (many)
7
Q
3 main types of neurones
A
- Multipolar (efferent) = cell body at dendrite end
- Bipolar (relay or special sense) = cell body in middle of axon
- Pseudo-unipolar (sensory) = cell body branching off axon
8
Q
Function of glial cells
A
Create optimum microenvironment for neuronal activity
9
Q
4 main types of glial cells
A
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Ependymal cells
- Oligodendrocytes
10
Q
Function of astrocytes
A
- Contribute to blood-brain barrier
- Provide structural and metabolic support
11
Q
2 forms of microglia
A
- Resting (ramified)
- Activated
12
Q
Function of microglia
A
- Phagocytosis
- Maintain brain homeostasis
13
Q
Function of ependymal cells
A
- Line ventricles
- Synthesise cerebrospinal fluid
14
Q
Function of oligodendrocytes
A
- Create myelin sheath around CNS neurones
- Provide metabolic support and electrical insulation
15
Q
Function of Schwann cells in myelinated and unmyelinated neurones
A
- Myelinated
> Create myelin sheath around PNS neurones
> Provide metabolic support and electrical insulation - Unmyelinated
> Cells have a more supportive role
