Nervous System: General Information Flashcards
afferent
carry or move inward or toward a central structure
blood-brain barrier
protective mechanism that blocks specific substances found in the bloodstream from entering delicate brain tissue
efferent
carry or move away from a central structure
limbic system
complex neural system located beneath the cerebrum that controls basic emotions and drives and plays an important role in memory
neurilemma
additional external myelin sheath that is formed by Schwann cells and found only on axons in the peripheral nervous system
ventricle
organ chamber or cavity that receives or holds fluid
neurons
transmit impulses that are afferent or efferent
3 major structure of the neuron
cell body
axon
dendrites
neuroglia
cells that support or bind neurons and other tissues
“nerve glue”
Central: Brain
Thought and emotion
Interpretation of sensory stimuli
Coordination of body functions
Central: Spinal cord
Main pathway for transmission of information between the brain and body
Peripheral: Cranial nerves
12 pairs of nerves that emerge from the base of the skull and may act in a motor or sensory capacity or both
Peripheral: Spinal nerves
31 pairs of nerves that emerge from the spine and act in motor and sensory capacities
Sympathetic Division
Dilates the pupils to increase the amount of light entering the eye to optimize vision
Decreases saliva
Dilates the bronchi
Increases heart rate and metabolic rate
Decreases digestive activities
Constricts visceral blood vessels
Parasympathetic Division
Decreases or increases the diameter of the pupils in response to changing levels of light
Increases saliva
Constricts the bronchi
Decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate
Increases digestive activities
Dilates visceral blood vessels
