Chapter 13 Flashcards
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Brain and spinal cord; main processing center.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Cranial and spinal nerves; sensory and motor pathways.
Spinal Cord
Nervous tissue organ; connects brain to body.
Meninges
Three protective membranes surrounding CNS.
Gray Matter
Contains neuronal cell bodies; processes information.
White Matter
Composed of myelinated axons; transmits information.
Cervical Enlargement
Wider spinal cord region; supplies upper limbs.
Lumbosacral Enlargement
Wider spinal cord region; supplies lower limbs.
Conus Medullaris
Tapered end of spinal cord; below lumbar enlargement.
Cauda Equina
Nerve roots extending below conus medullaris.
Filum Terminale
Fibrous tissue; anchors spinal cord to coccyx.
Spinal Nerves
31 pairs; mixed nerves from spinal cord.
Anterior Root
Contains axons of motor neurons.
Posterior Root
Contains axons of sensory neurons.
Spinal Ganglia
Contains sensory neuron cell bodies.
Rami
Branches of spinal nerves; supply body regions.
Sensory Input
Information received by sensory receptors.
Motor Output
Commands sent to effectors like muscles.
Reflex Centers
Locations in spinal cord for reflex actions.
Neural Reflex
Automatic response to stimuli; involves spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Fluid in central canal; protects and nourishes CNS.
Spinal Nerve Classification
Mixed nerves; contain afferent and efferent fibers.
Posterior Ramus
Supplies skin and muscles of the back.
Anterior Ramus
Supplies body wall, skin, and limbs.