Basic Structure Flashcards
What are the three main kinds of neurons?
Sensory
Motor
Interneurons
How many main kinds of neurons are there?
3
What neurons are coupled to receptors specialised to detect and respond to different attributes of the internal and external environment?
Sensory neurons
What special set of receptors are activated when stimuli cause tissue damage?
Nociceptors
What do nociceptors give rise to? (2)
Protective reflexes
The sensation of pain
What are the three stimuli that can cause tissue damage when they exceed a certain intensity?
Mechanical
Thermal
Chemical
Receptors sensitive to what changes subserve the sensory modalities? (4)
Light
Sound
Mechanical
Chemical
What neurons control the activity of muscles?
Motor neurons
What neurons are the most numerous in the human brain?
Interneurons
What do interneurons do? (2)
Mediate simple reflexes
Responsible for the highest functions of the brain
Where are interneurons interposed?
Between sensory and motor neurons
What cells make an important contribution to the development of the nervous system and to its function in the adult brain?
Glial cells
What are the three main parts of a neuron?
Cell body
Two sets of additional compartments called ‘processes’
What are the 2 ‘processes’ called?
Axons and dendrites
What do axons do?
Transmit information from the neuron on to others to which it is connected
What do dendrites do?
Receive the information being transmitted by the axons of other neurons
What specialized contacts do the 2 ‘processes’ participate in?
Synapses
How are neurons organized?
Complex chains and networks that are the pathways through which information in the nervous system is transmitted
How is the brain and spinal cord are connected to sensory receptors and muscles?
Through long axons that make up the peripheral nerves
What are the two functions of the spinal cord?
Seat of simple reflexes (knee jerk, rapid withdrawal of limb from hot objects, pinprick etc.) and complex reflexes
Forms a highway between the body and the brain for information travelling in both directions
What distinguishes the human brain to all vertebrates?
Its large size in relation to body size