Nervous System Flashcards
What does the nervous system look like?
a network
What are the two functions of the nervous system?
communication and control
What are the nervous system processes?
- collects information
- processes information
- Initiates response
The nervous system uses what to collect information?
receptors
Where does the nervous system process information?
in the control center
Where are responses/commands sent in the nervous system?
to the effectors
What are the only kinds of effectors?
muscles and glands
What is the organization of the nervous system?
the central and peripheral nervous system
What is the function of the central nervous system?
process information
What components make up the central nervous system?
the brain and spinal cord
What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?
transmit information
What are the components of the peripheral nervous system?
nerves and ganglia
What kind of nerves come from the peripheral nervous
system?
sensory and motor nerves
What are the two types of cells in the nervous system?
neurons and glial
Neurons
- basic functional units of the nervous system
- excitable calls that transmit signals
Glial
non-excitable cells
Glial functions
protect and support neurons
Neurons have extreme longevity but are what kinds of cells?
amitotic
Amitotic
lost the ability to divide
Nerves
bundles of neurons
Ganglia
cluster of neuron bodies
What glial cells are in the central nervous system?
- astrocytes
- ependymal
- microglia
- oligodendrocytes
Astrocytes
star-shaped cells that connect capillary walls with neurons
Astrocytes functions
- establish blood-brain barrier
- form supporting networks
- assist neuronal development and repair processes
- communicate with neurons and adjust their activities
Ependymal cells
- ciliated epithelial cell that line internal cavities
Ependymal cell function
involved in the production and movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Microglia
small cells with slender branches that wander the CNS
Microglia function
phagocytize (engulf) infectious agents and debris
Oligodendrocytes
large cells with slender extensions that wrap around the axons
Oligodendrocyte function
insulation of axons in a myelin sheath that speeds up the movement of signals
What cells are in the peripheral nervous system?
satellite cells and neurolemmocytes
Satellite cells
surround neuronal cell bodies in a ganglion
Satellite cell functions
regulate the exchange of nutrients and waste products
Neurolemmocytes (Schwann cells)
wrap around axons to form myelin sheath for faster signal propagation
Myelination
is the process by which parts of an axon become wrapped in the myelin sheaths composed of repeating layers if glial cell plasma membrane with proportions of lipids.
The lipids in myelin sheath does what?
gives glossy white appearance and insulates axon
Myelinated axons perform what?
saltatory conduction
Saltatory conduction
nerve impulse/signal skips myelinated areas
Myelinated axon nerve impulses speed up to what?
150 m/c
Unmyelinated axons transmit nerve impulse through what process?
continuous conduction
Unmyelinated axon nerve impulses speed up to what?
2 m/c
What are the three parts of a neuron?
- dendrites
- body
- axon
Dendrites
short branches attached to the body
Dendrites functions
membrane receives stimuli
Body =
soma