Nervous System Flashcards
1
Q
central nervous system
A
- composed of brain and spinal cord
- the skull and vertebrae surround the CNS
- fluid and tissue insulate the brain and spinal cord - cerebrospinal fluids (CSF)
- hypothalamus
- pituitary gland
2
Q
control mechanisms in the brain
A
hypothalamus:
- releases hormones
- regulates body temperature
- controls appetite
3
Q
pathways of peripheral nervous system
A
- SENSORY pathways that provide input from the body into the CNS.
- MOTOR pathways that carry signals to muscles and glands (effectors).
4
Q
what does the autonomic nervous system (part of PNS) control
A
- glands
- heart rate
- pupil response
5
Q
what are the 2 branches of the ANS
A
- sympathetic - quick response mobilizing system - fight or flight mechanism
- parasympathetic - slowly activated dampening system
6
Q
what is a reflex arc
A
- survival response to react quickly to a potentially damaging stimulus
7
Q
nerve structure
A
- myelin Sheath – layer of protective cells
- schwann cells are supportive & provide nutrients
8
Q
what is a synapse
A
- junction between a nerve cell and another cell
- messages travel within the neuron as an electrical action potential
- the space between two cells is known as the synaptic cleft.
- to cross the synaptic cleft requires the actions of neurotransmitters.
