Nervous System Flashcards
Gathering information; monitors changes occurring inside and outside the body
Sensory Input
What are the changes called in our internal/external environment?
Stimuli
Processes and interprets sensory input and decide if action is needed
Integration
Response to integrated stimuli – response activates our galnds
Motor Output
What are the components of the Nervous System?
Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerves
Basic unit of the Nervous System
Neurons/nerve cells
Specialized cells that conduct impulses to and from the brain
Neurons
Main processing center of the cell
Cell body/Soma
Thin branching extensions of the cell body
Dendrites
Essential for the speed and timing of the neurons/delivery impulses
Nodes of Ranvier
Myelinating cell of the PNS and support cells of peripheral neurons;cells that wrap around axon
Schwan Cell
Bring nerve impulses toward the body
Dendrites
Bring nerve impulses away from the body
Axon
Acts as an insulator
Myelin Sheath
Unmyelinated nerve fiber; important in decision making
Gray matter
Myelinated nerve fiber; important in immediate response
White matter
Where are reflexed that require immediate response processed?
In the spinal cord
- where integration takes place
- includes the brain and a nerve cord
Central Nervous System
- brings information in and out of the CNS
- consists of many nerves that branch out from your CNS all over your body
Peripheral Nervous System
- consists of right and left hemispheres that both perform complex processes
Cerebrum
The 4 lobes of the brain
Frontal, occipital, parietal, and temporal
The functions of each lobe of the brain
Frontal - understanding/knowledge
Occipital - sight
Parietal - speaking/bodily awareness
Temporal - hearing
Autoimmune disease that affects brain & spinal cord and is caused by a damaged myelin sheath
Multiple Sclerosis
Connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres; bigger in females
Corpus Callosum
How many parts does the diencephalon consist of?
3
What are the 3 parts of the diencephalon?
- Epithalamus
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
Consists of the pineal gland which generates cerebrospinal fluid from blood and produces melatonin
Epithalamus
Main input center for the cerebrum; main output center for motor information
Thalamus
Regulates homeostasis and basic survival behaviors (feeding, fighting, reproducing)
Hypothalamus
What is the cerebrospinal fluid for?
It acts as a cushion in the form of liquid for the brain and spine
Consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
Brain stem
Contains centers for receipt and integration of sensory information
Midbrain
- mini brain
- important in coordination
- responsible for locomotor skills
Cerebellum
