Intro to the neuroanatomy of the CNS and PNS / Overview of Pathways Flashcards
what nervous system is the cranial and spinal nerves part of?
peripheral
what nervous system is the brain and spinal cord part of?
central
what is the functional unit of the nervous system?
the neuron
where do neutrons communicate with one another at?
synapses
where does input occur at when neurons are communicating with one another?
dendrites
where does output occur at when neutrons are communicating with one another?
axon and axon terminal
what are collections of neutrons with similar structures and function called within the CNS?
nucleus
what are collections of neutrons with similar structures and functions called outside the CNS, part of the PNS?
ganglion
what are many axons covered in?
myelin
what forms myelin in the CNS?
oligodendrocytes
what forms myelin in the PNS?
Schwann cells
what is the function of myelin?
provides insulation allowing the electrical signal generated in the cell body to rapidly reach the axon terminal
what matter contains myelinated axons?
white matter
what matter contains less myelin?
gray matter
what is another term for sensory neurons?
afferents
what is another term for motor neurons?
efferents
what is the function of sensory (afferent) neurons?
to carry nerve impulses toward the CNS
what is the function of motor (efferent) neurons?
to carry nerve impulses away from the CNS
What is the function of central interneurons?
to carry nerve impulses from one part of the CNS to another
what are the somatic divisions of the PNS?
Sensory:
general somatic afferents (GSA)
special somatic afferents (SSA)
motor:
general somatic efferents (GSE)
what is the general somatic afferents division?
pain, temp, touch, muscle & joint position (proprioception)
what is the special somatic afferents division?
vision, hearing, smell, balance
where are the special somatic afferents only found?
cranial nerves I, II, VII
what is the general somatic efferent division?
innervation of skeletal muscle