Intro Flashcards
What are neurons
They are excitable nerve cells which transmit information as electric signals or “action potentials”
What are neuroglia
- Neurons are supported by these specialised cells
- A number of neuroglia forms neurons
- They can regenerate
Where does neuronal communication occur
Between axons and dendrites
What is a ganglion
It is a structure containing nerve cell bodies outside the CNS. Presynaptic neurons synapse with postganglionic neurons at ganglia (eg. sympathetic ganglion)
What is gray matter
Predominantly cell bodies of neurons + neuroglia + unmyelinated neurites
- In CNS - nucleus
- IN PNS - ganglion
Where is gray matter found
It is on the surface of the cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres as well as in depths of the cerebrum
What is white matter
Axons (usually myelinated)
Where is white matter found
In the spinal cord, white matter is on the surface, surrounding the gray matter
What does the CNS consist of
- Spinal cord
- Brain stem (nuclei of all but the first 2 cranial nerves)
- Cerebellum
- Cerebrum - telencephalon (cerebral hemispheres) and diencephalon
What are gyri
They are infoldings of the cerebral hemispheres on the external surface
What are sulci
They separate gyri from each other
What is the median longitudinal fissure
It divides the 2 cerebral hemispheres incompletely
What is the function of the frontal lobe
- Primary motor area
- Premotor cortex
What is the function of the parietal lobe
- Primary somatosensory cortex
- Somatosensory association area
What is the function of the occipital lobe
- Visual association area
- Primary visual cortex
