nervous system Flashcards
what are the functions of the nervous system?
- communication
- regulating internal events
- organising behaviour (external)
- information storage (memory)
- sensations, perceptions, emotions
what are the cells involved with the nervous system?
neurons (nerve cells) and neuroglia (glial cells)
what are the functions of glia cells?
- more numerous that neurons
- supportive, nutritive role
- myelin formation (Schwann cells PNS- cover one axon, Oligodendrocytes CNS- project membrane and cover axon with layer of myelin)
name different types of glia cells
- astrocytes
- microglia
- ependymal cells
- oligodendrocytes
- Schwann cells
what is the function of astrocytes?
nutrient supply to neurons in the CNS
what is the function of microglia?
defence- phagocytic
what is the function of ependymal cells?
involved in the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
what is the function of oligodendrocytes?
support neurons and myelin formation in the CNS
what is the function of Schwann cells?
support neurons and myelin formation in the PNS
describe neurons
- excitable cells
- generate and transmit signals
- synaptic processors: memory etc.
- many different types, structure relates to function
what nerves does the central nervous system include?
the brain and spinal cord
what nerves does the peripheral nervous system include?
spinal nerves and cranial nerves
what two sub systems can the nervous system be divided into?
sensory and motor systems
what direction do afferents go?
towards the CNS
what direction do efferents go?
away from the CNS
what is the difference between somatic and visceral?
we have conscience of somatic and no conscience of visceral- somatic pain is in the muscles, bones, or soft tissues whereas visceral pain comes from your internal organs and blood vessels
where are spinal nerves found?
emerging along the length of the spinal cord
how many pairs of spinal nerves are there?
31
what is the breakdown of the 31 pairs of spinal nerves?
- 8 cervical nerves
- 12 thoracic nerves
- 5 lumbar nerves
- 5 sacral nerves
- 1 coccygeal nerve
what does each spinal nerve contain?
many sensory and motor axons
what structure do axons supply to- sensory neurons?
regions on body surface called dermatomes
whats structure do axons supply to- motor axons?
blocks of muscle called myotomes
what is the name of the left and right anterior roots in a spinal nerve?
the ventral roots
what is the name of the left and right posterior roots in a spinal nerve?
dorsal roots