Nervous System Flashcards
What are the three main functions of a nervous system?
- Receive sensory input
- Integrate the input
- Respond to stimuli
What structures comprise the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Brain & Spinal Cord
Sensory and motor neurons are collectively called the ______
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The structural and functional unit of the nervous system is the _____
Neuron
What are the five main parts of a neuron?
- Cell body
- Dendrites
- Axon
- Axon terminals
- Myelin sheith
The site of contact between a synaptic terminal of a neuron and a target, such as another neuron, a muscle cell, or a gland, is called a _____
Synapse
What is the minimum number of neurons that can make up a “reflex arc,” and what would these neurons be?
2; there must be at least ONE sensory and ONE motor neuron
What are “interneurons”?
connections within the CNS
Supporting cells are called _____
Neuroglia (Glial cell)
What cells form the insulating sheaths around axons and where are they found?
Schwann cells; PNS
In a neuron, an action potential can only be generated ______
in ONE direction
The “motor division” of the peripheral nervous system is divided into two functional divisions, called the ______ and ______ nervous systems
Somatic
Autonomic
The somatic nervous system carries signals to ____
Muscles
The autonomic nervous system carries signals to ____
Organs
What are the spinal meninges?
Membranes that surround and protect brain and spinal cord
What are the 3 meningeal layers?
From touching the brain out,
- Dura Mater
- Arachmoid
- Pia Mater
What are reflexes?
Rapid, predictable, and involuntary responses to stimuli
List the three major parts of the brain
- Cerebrum
- Cerebellum
- Brain Stem
Differentiate between gyri and sulci
Gyri = meaty ridges Sulci = grooves
Identify the lobes of the cerebrum
- Frontal
- Parietal
- Temporal
- Occipital
What functions are associated with the cerebrum?
“control center” - voluntary activities
Why is white matter white?
Mylinated axons; has myelin
What are some characteristics of people who are left v. right brain dominant?
Left:
Analytical, mathematical, thinks in parts
Right:
Creative, artistic, thinks in whole
What are the purposes of the ventricles in the brain?
cerebralspinal fluid production
What are 3 parts of the diencephalon?
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Epithalamus
Describe the function of the thalamus and hypothalamus
Thalamus:
Switching station for sensory input
Hypothalamus:
Control center for hunger, thirst, fatigue, anger, and body temperature
Which minor part of the diencephalon controls emotions?
Amygdala
What is the job of the cerebellum?
Involuntary actions e.g. muscle movements and balance
List the 4 parts of the brain stem
- Medulla Oblongata
- Pons
- Midbrain
- diencephalon
List the functions of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata
MB- “mini brain” hearing & vision
Pons- links cerebral cortex and cerebellum
MO- involuntary functions - heart rate & breathing
List the Cranial Nerves (12) and their functions
- Olfactory
- Optic
- Oculomotor
- Trochlear
- trigeminal
- Abducens
- Facial
- Vestibulococholear
- Glossopharyngeal
- Vagus
- Accessory
- Hypoglossal
What are the two major fissures and what do they separate?
- Longitudinal - brain hemispheres
2. Transverse - cerebrum & cerebellum
