Nervous System Flashcards
Function of Nervous System
Helps all the parts of the body to communicate with each other
Major Organs of Nervous System
Central nervous system and Peripheral nervous system
Difference between Neurons and Neuroglia
Neurons are highly specialized nerve cells that generate and conduct nerve impulses. Neuroglia are supporting cells that provide physical sport, remove debris, and provide electrical insulation
Dendrite
Receive the nerve impulses from the senses or another neuron
Soma
Body of the neuron that holds the nucleus
Schwann Cells
Main glial cells of the peripheral nervous system which wrap around axons of motor and sensory neurons to form the myelin sheath
Node of Ranvier
Impulses jump from node to node, which increase speed of impulse
Myelin
Insulates the axon. Produced by the Schwann cells
Axon
Passageway for nerve impulses after cell body; end in axon terminal
Axon Terminal
The button-like endings of axons through which axons make contact with other nerve cells
CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)
Protects the brain by preventing the it from contacting the skull
Cerebrum
Controls conscious activities
Frontal Lobe
Voluntary movements (walking), Reasoning & decision-making, Memory, Ability to predict consequences of actions, Planning, and Verbal communication
Parietal Lobe
Sensations, Visual-spatial processing, and Body position
Occipital Lobe
Visual processing- vision & memory of objects
Temporal Lobe
Memory, Comprehension & pronunciation of words, Sensations of smell and sound, Emotional association of memories
Thalamus
Relays sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex for processing and sorting
Hypothalamus
Controls hormones released by pituitary gland and Responsible for autonomic processes
Brainstem
Located between the cerebrum and spinal cord and Broken into three regions: Midbrain, Pons, Medulla Oblongata
Brainstem (Midbrain)
Also known as mesencephalon, Relays info to cerebrum, Controls body movements and postures
Brainstem (Pons)
Almost completely made of white matter that links cerebral cortex and cerebellum, Carries info from one side of brain to the other, Central control of breathing
Brainstem (Medulla Oblongata)
Located above the spinal cord, Transmits impulses between spinal cord and the brain, Controls blood pressure, heart rate, swallowing, and coughing
Cerebellum
Second largest part of brain, Near back of skull, Responsible for coordinating the movements directed by the cerebrum so that they are graceful and efficient, All involuntary movements, Aids in “muscle memory”
Spinal Cord
Extends from the medulla oblongata 31 pairs of spinal nerves branch out from the spinal cord, connecting to all parts of the body. Relays impulses from the PNS to the brain. A cross section of the spinal cord has a “butterfly” of gray matter surrounded by white matter
