Chapter 2: Functional Neuroanatomy: The Nervous System and Behavior Flashcards
(40 cards)
Neuron Doctrine
The brain is composed of independent cells that are distinct structurally, metabolically, and functionally
Info is transmitted from cell to cell across synapses
Neuron has structures in common with other cells
Mitochondria– produce energy
Golgi apparatus– packages cellular materials for transport
Ribosomes– translate genetic instructions into proteins
Four principle subdivisions of neurons
Input zone, integration zone, conduction zone, output zone
Input zone
The cell body and dendrites receive info via synapses from other neurons
Integration zone
Where the decision to produce a neural signal is made
Conduction zone
The axon carries the neuron’s own electrical signal away from the cell body to the axon terminals
Output zone
Axon terminals transmit the neuron’s signals across synapses to other cells
Motoneurons
Motor neurons
Stimulate muscles or glands
Sensory neurons
Respond to environmental stimuli (light, smell, touch, etc.)
Interneurons
Receive input from and send input to other neurons
Glial cells
They support and assist neurons
Provide neurons with raw materials
Alter neuron structure and excitability
4 types of glial cells
Astrocytes
Microglia
Oligodendrocytes
Schwann cells
Astrocytes
Star-shaped cells
Receive neuronal input and monitor neural activity
Regulate blood flow
Form new synapses and prune old ones
Microglia
Small but active
Two functions:
House-keeping: remove debris from injured or dying cells
Immune function: primary immune cells in the brain, produce and release cytokines in response to sickness
Oligodendrocytes
Provide myelination in the central nervous system
Schwann cells
Provide myelination in the peripheral nervous system
Myelination
Fatty insulating substance to increase speed of signal
Nodes of Ranvier
Gaps between sections of myelin where the axon is exposed
And where voltage-gated ion channels are located
Gross neuroanatomy
Features of the nervous system visible to the naked eye
Central nervous system (CNS)
Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Motor nerves
Sensory nerves
Two nervous systems
Somatic nervous system: brain and spinal cord, voluntary movement
Autonomic nervous system: regulates involuntary bodily functions
Somatic nervous system
Cranial nerves: head and neck
Spinal nerves: dorsal (body to spinal cord) and ventral roots (spinal cord to muscles)
Spinal cord and spinal nerves
Cervical: neck
Thoracic: trunk
Lumbar: lower back
Sacral: pelvic
Coccygeal: bottom