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AAOS Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary > Chapter 8 - Nervous System Vocabulary > Flashcards

Chapter 8 - Nervous System Vocabulary Flashcards

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1
Q

Autonomic nervous system

A

A subdivision of the nervous system that operates without conscious control and regulate the function of the internal organs, glands, and smooth muscles; comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

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2
Q

Nervous system

A

The system that controls virtually all activities of the body, both voluntary and involuntary

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3
Q

Somatic nervous system

A

The part of the nervous system that regulates activities over which there is voluntary control

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4
Q

Neurons

A

The basic nerve cells of the nervous system, containing a nucleus within a cell body and extending one or more processes; they exit in masses to form nervous tissue

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5
Q

Axons

A

Long, slender filaments projecting from a nerve cell that conducts impulses to adjacent cells

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6
Q

Dendrites

A

The parts of the neuron that receives impulses from the axon and contains vesicles for release of neurotransmitters

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7
Q

Neuroglia

A

One of two basic types of neural tissue, neuroglia support, protect, defend, and aid in the repair of injury of neural tissue, and regulate composition of nervous system interstitial fluid.

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8
Q

Unmyelinated axons

A

Neurons with no myelin sheath or white matter

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9
Q

Schwann cells

A

Nervous tissue that helps form the myelin sheath around certain neurons

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10
Q

Myelinated nerves

A

An axon surrounded by a membrane sheath produced by Schwann cells

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11
Q

Myelin sheath

A

A membrane formed by Schwann cells, which cover the axons of certain neurons

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12
Q

Node of Ranvier

A

Regions between individual Schwann cells in myelinated neurons, between which action potential jumps

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13
Q

White matter

A

Bundles of myelinated nerves

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14
Q

Synapse

A

The junction between nerve cells across which nervous stimuli are transmitted. Includes the synaptic cleft, presynaptic cell membrane with synaptic vesicles and axon terminal and postsynaptic cell membrane.

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15
Q

Postsynaptic terminal

A

The end of a nerve were electrical impulses are received from the synaptic cleft

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16
Q

Presynaptic terminal

A

The end of a nerve where neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft

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17
Q

Synaptic cleft

A

The space between neurons where electrical impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters, which in turn stimulate an electrical reaction in adjacent neurons

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18
Q

Synaptic vesicles

A

Vesicles that contain neurotransmitters

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19
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

Chemicals produced by neurons that stimulate electrical reactions in adjacent cells

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20
Q

Nerve

A

Nervous tissue that connects the nervous system with body parts or organs

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21
Q

Nerve fibers

A

Groups of nerve cells that are bundled together

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22
Q

Brain

A

The controlling organ of the body and center of consciousness;

functions include:

  • perception
  • control of reactions to the environment
  • emotional responses
  • judgement
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23
Q

Brainstem

A

The area of the brain between the spinal cord and cerebrum, surrounded by the cerebellum; controls functions that are necessary for life, such as Respirations

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24
Q

Central nervous system

A

The brain and the spinal cord

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25
Q

Cerebrum

A

The largest portion of the brain that controls higher thought processes, including:

  • control of movement
  • hearing
  • balance
  • speech
  • visual perception
  • emotions
  • personality

Also called cerebral cortex

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26
Q

Substantia nigra

A

A layer of gray matter located in the mid-brain

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27
Q

Spinal reflex arcs

A

automatic reactions to stimuli mediated by Neuronal pathways within the spinal cord that occur without conscious thought

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28
Q

sulci

A

Grooves located between the gyri in the cerebrum

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29
Q

Flexor reflex

A

A withdrawal telex in the flexor muscles of the limbs that contract in response to an unpleasant stimulus

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30
Q

Ascending reticular activating system

A

Several structures located throughout the brain stem that are responsible for maintenance of consciousnesses

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31
Q

Longitudinal fissure

A

The crevasse that separates the right and left hemisphere of the cerebrum

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32
Q

Gyri

A

The numerous folds in the cerebrum, which greatly increase the surface area of the cortex

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33
Q

Frontal lobe

A

The portion of the brain that is important in voluntary motor actions and personality traits

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34
Q

lobes

A

Subdivisions within each hemisphere of the cerebrum; each lobe shares the name of the bone of the skull that overlies it

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35
Q

Cerebral cortex

A

The largest portion of the brain, it controls the higher thought processes; also called the cerebrum

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36
Q

Occipital lobe

A

The portion of the brain that is responsible for the processing of visual information

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37
Q

Temporal lobe

A

The portion of the brain that plays an important role in hearing and memory

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38
Q

Parietal lobe

A

The portion of the brain that is the site for reception and evaluation of most sensory information, except smell, hearing, and vision

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39
Q

Diencephalon

A

The part of the brain between the brainstem in the cerebrum that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus

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40
Q

Thalamus

A

The part of the diencephalon the processes most sensory input and influences mood and general body movements, especially those associated with fear or rage

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41
Q

Subthalamus

A

The part of the diencephalon that is involved in controlling motor functions

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42
Q

Epithalamus

A

Part of the diencephalon with functions related to emotions, circadian rhythms, and connecting the limbic system with other parts of the brain

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43
Q

Hypothalamus

A 
The most inferior portion of the diencephalon; it is responsible for control of many body functions, including 
– pulse rate 
– digestion 
– sexual development 
– temperature regulation 
– emotion 
– hunger 
– Thirst 
– regulation of the sleep cycle
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44
Q

Pineal body

A

Part of the epithalamus in the diencephalon

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45
Q

Basal ganglia

A

(Basal nuclei) structures located deep within the cerebrum, diencephalon, and midbrain that okay an important role in coordination of motor movement and posture

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46
Q

Limbic system

A

Structures within the cerebrum and diencephalon that influence emotions, motivation, mood, and sensation of pain and pleasure

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47
Q

Pons

A

The portion of the brainstem that lies below the midbrain and contains nerve fibers that affect sleep and respirations

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48
Q

Medulla oblongata

A

The inferior portion of the midbrain, which serves as a conduction pathway for both ascending and descending nerve tracts

49
Q

Cerebellum

A

The region of the brain essential in coordinating muscle movements of the body

50
Q

Cerebellum peduncles

A

One of the three bands of nerve fibers through which the cerebellum communicates with other regions of the central nervous system

51
Q

Stroke

A

Brain damage typically resulting from a disruption of the circulation to the brain, causing abnormal neurologic findings

52
Q

Embolic stroke

A

Result of a blood clot that arises in the heart because of the cardiac rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation

53
Q

Transient ischemic attack

A

An episode of a neurologic impairment that lasts less than 24 hours and represents a warning sign of an impending stroke

54
Q

Meninges

A

A set of three tough membranes, Dura matter, arachnoid, and Pia matter, that encloses the entire brain and spinal cord

55
Q

Meningitis

A

An inflammation of the meninges and CSF, usually caused by infection

56
Q

Dura mater

A

The outermost of the three meninges that enclose the brain and spinal cord; it is the toughest membrane

57
Q

Pia mater

A

The innermost of the three meninges that enclose the brain and spinal cord; it rests directly on the brain and spinal cord

58
Q

Arachnoid

A

The middle membrane of the three meninges that enclose the brain and spinal cord

59
Q

Cerebrospinal fluid

A

Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that flows in the subarachnoid space and bathes the meninges

60
Q

Subarachnoid space

A

The space located between the pia mater and the arachnoid in which the CSF is contained

61
Q

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

A

A hemorrhage into the brain tissues beneath the arachnoid membrane

62
Q

Lumbar puncture

A

A needle insertion through the vertebral canal into the subarachnoid space to obtain a specimen of CSF

63
Q

Spinal tap

A

Same as lumbar puncture

64
Q

Choroid plexus

A

Specialized cells within hollow areas in the ventricles of the brain that produce CSF

65
Q

Ventricles

A

Specialized fluid-filled areas in the brain

66
Q

hydrocephalus

A

A birth defect result from a blockage in the ventricles that causes CSF to build up, Denning the cortex and causing severe brain damage

Obstruction to the flow of CSF results in increased pressure within the brain tissue, dilation of the ventricles, and compression of the brain

67
Q

Spinal cord

A

An extension of the brain, composed of virtually all the nerves carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body; it lies inside of and is protected by the spinal canal

68
Q

Foramen magnum

A

A large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord exits the brain

69
Q

Cauda equina

A

Numerous individual nerve roots that extend from the spinal cord at the level of the second lumbar vertebra

70
Q

Vertebral canal

A

The bony canal formed by vertebrae that houses and protects the spinal cord

71
Q

Tracts

A

Pathways within the spinal cord that contains nerves

72
Q

Sciatica

A

Pain and muscle weakness that travels from the back, into the buttocks, and along the leg into the foot as a result of irritation of the sciatic nerve or lumbar spinal nerve root

73
Q

Ascending tracts

A

Fibers that carry sensory information from the periphery to the brain; also called Afferent tracts

74
Q

Action potential

A

An electrochemical event associated with cell membrane depolarization where stimulation of a nearby cell could cause excitation of another cell

75
Q

Descending tracts

A

Fibers that carry motor impulses from the brain to the fibers of the peripheral nervous system; also called efferent tracts

76
Q

Anterior spinothalamic tracts

A

Ascending fiber tracts that carry information to the brain about light touch, pressure, and tickling and itching sensation.

77
Q

Lateral spinothalamic tracts

A

Ascending tracts that carry information to the brain about pain and temperature

78
Q

Spinocerebellar tracts

A

Ascending tracts that carry information regarding body posturing (proprioception) to the cerebellum

79
Q

Proprioception

A

Information about the body’s position and of its parts in relation to itself, to one another, and to the pull of gravity

80
Q

Corticospinal tracts

A

Descending tracts that coordinate movements, especially of the hands

81
Q

Vestibulospinal tracts

A

Descending tracts involved in involuntary body movements

82
Q

Reticulospinal tracts

A

Descending tracts that are involved in involuntary body movements

83
Q

Peripheral nervous system

A

The portion of the nervous system that consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 11 of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves; these nerves may be sensory, motor, or connecting nerves

84
Q

Ganglia

A

Collections of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system

85
Q

Spinal nerves

A

Thirty one pairs of nerves each responsible for sending and receiving sensory and motor messages to and from the central nervous system from a portion of the body.

86
Q

Rootlets

A

Small nerves

87
Q

Ventral root

A

One of two roots of a spinal nerve that is formed from six to eight rootlets

88
Q

Dorsal root

A

One of two roots of a spinal nerve that passes posteriorly into the spinal cord and contains the dorsal root ganglion

89
Q

Dorsal root ganglion

A

A ganglion in the dorsal root of each spinal nerve

90
Q

Intervertebral foramen

A

Openings between successive vertebrae through which nerves exit the vertebral column

91
Q

Sensory nerves

A

Nerves that carry sensations of touch, taste, heat, cold, pain, and other modalities from the body to the central nervous system

92
Q

Afferent nerve

A

Nerves that send information to the brain; also called sensory nerves

93
Q

Dermatome

A

An area of skin that corresponds to the sensory distribution of a specific cranial or spinal nerve

94
Q

Motor nerves

A

Nerves that carry commands from the brain to the muscle; also called efferent nerves

95
Q

Efferent nerves

A

Nerves that carry commands from the brain to peripheral muscles; also called motor nerves

96
Q

Neuromuscular junction

A

The receptor on the muscle for nerve impulses

97
Q

Plexuses

A

Complex networks made up by the combination of the main portions of the spinal nerves

98
Q

Peripheral nerves

A

Nerves that arise from the different plexuses to branch and supply motor functions to and convey sensory information from many areas of the body

99
Q

Curare

A

An agent that blocks transmission of neural motor impulses at the neuromuscular junction

100
Q

Neuromuscular blockers

A

A group of drugs derived from curare that are used in anesthesia to induce muscle relaxation

101
Q

Brachial plexus

A

The plexus of the spinal nerves that consists of nerves C5 to T1 and innervate a the shoulder and upper extremities

102
Q

Axillary nerve

A

One of the major nerves emanating from the brachial plexus;

it supplies the deltoid and teres minor muscles, enabling arm abduction and lateral rotation

103
Q

Radial nerve

A

One of the major nerves in the upper extremity, it supplied muscles that

Extend the elbow (brachioradialis and triceps brachi)

Supinate the forearm (supinator)

Extend the wrist (extensor carpi muscles), fingers (extensor digitorun), and thumb

104
Q

Musculocutaneous nerve

A

A nerve in the upper extremity that innervates muscles that flex the shoulder and elbow (coracobranchialis, biceps branchii, brachialis)

105
Q

Median nerve

A

The nerve in the brachial plexus that innervates the pronator muscles of the forearm, as well as those that flex the

wrist (flexor carpi muscles and palmar is longus)

fingers (flexor digitorum muscles)

Thumb (flexor pollicis longus)

106
Q

Ulnar nerve

A

The nerve in the arm that innervates the muscles that flex the

wrist (flexor carpi ulnaris)

fingers (flexor digitorum muscles)

and abduct and adduct the fingers and thumb

(interossei, adductor pollicis, and abductor pollicis)

107
Q

Adulatory nerve - sensory distribution

A

Innervates a small patch of skin on the lateral border of the proximal arm.

108
Q

Radial nerve - sensory innervation

A

Posterior arm and forearm

Lateral 2/3rds of the dorsum of the hand

109
Q

Musculocutaneous - sensory innervation

A

Lateral surface of forearm

110
Q

Ulnar nerve - sensory innervation

A

Medial 1/3rd of the hand

Little finger

Medial 1/2 of ring finger

111
Q

Median nerve - sensory innervation

A

Lateral 2/3rds of palm of hand including lateral half of the ring finger

112
Q

Lumbosacral plexus

A

A combination of the lumbar plexus and, sacral plexus and the coccygeal foot

113
Q

Obturator nerve

A

A nerve emanating from the lumbosacral plexus that innervate the muscles that adduct the thigh (adductor muscles and gracilis) and rotate it laterally (obturator externus)

114
Q

Femoral nerve

A

Branch of the lumbosacral plexus that innervates the muscles that flex the hip (psoas major and sartorius) and extend the knee (rectus femoris and the vastus muscles)

115
Q

Tibial nerve

A

The nerve in the leg that innervates the muscles that
extend the hip and flex the knee (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and popliteus)

plantar flex the ankle (gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and tibialis posterior)

flex the toes (flexor muscles)

116
Q

Common peroneal nerve

A

A major nerve of the leg, providing sensation to the lateral leg and dorsum of the foot and motor activity to hip extensors, knee flexors, ankle Dorsiflexors, and toe extensors

117
Q

Sciatic nerve

A

The longest peripheral nerve in the body, formed by the combination of the common peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve

118
Q

Deep peroneal nerve

A

A component and branch of the common peroneal nerve that innervates of the muscles of the Dorsiflex the ankle and extend the toes

119
Q

Superficial peroneal nerve

A

The nerve in the leg that innervates the muscles of foot Eversion

AAOS Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary (13 decks)

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