Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is neuroscience?
The quest to understand the nervous system
What are the special sites called where nerves communicate with one another?
Synapses
Covers the field of thinking, learning, and memory
cognitive neuroscience
interactions among systems that influence behavior
Behavioral neuroscience
The functional unit of the nervous system
Neuron
Investigates the chemistry and physics involved in neural function
Molecular neuroscience
Considers distinctions between different types of cells in the nervous system and how each cell type functions
cellular neuroscience
Non-neural cells that provide services for neurons
Glia
What are the 3 main systems extending throughout the entire nervous system
- Somatosensory nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
- Somatic Motor system
Name the 4 general regions of the nervous system
- Peripheral region
- Spinal region
- Brainstem and Cerebellar region
- Cerebral region
Summarize the Peripheral Nervous System
The PNS consists of all parts of the nervous system not encased in the vertebral column of skull. Peripheral nerves including the median, ulnar, sciatic, and cranial nerves, are groups of axons.
Summarize the Spinal Region
The spinal region includes all parts of the nervous system within the vertebral column. In addition to the spinal cord, axons attached to the cord are within the spinal region until the exit the vertebral foramen.
Summarize the Brain Stem and Cerebellar Region
The brainstem connects the spinal cord with the cerebral region. Major regions of the brainstem are the medulla, pons, and midbrain. Connected to the posterior brainstem is the cerebellum.
Summarize the cerebral region
The most massive part of the brain. Consists of the diencephalon (center of brain) and hemispheres. The thalamus and hypothalamus are major structures of the diencephalon.
What is the difference between AFFERENT and EFFERENT nerve axons
Afferent = carry information from peripheral receptors towards the central nervous system
Efferent = efferent axons away from the CNS (ex: efferent axons carry impulses away from CNS to skeletal muscles.)
