Nervous System Med Terms Flashcards
Neuron
A nerve cell
Special chemicals that allow nerve impulses to pass from one neuron to another
Neurotransmitters
Afferent nerves
(AKA Sensory Nerves) Carry messages from all parts of the body to the brain and spinal cord
(AKA Motor Nerves) Carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to all parts
Efferent Nerves
Associative Nerves
Carry both sensory and motor messages
Consists of the brain and spinal cord
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
Consists of nerves and has two divisions, the somatic and autonomic nervous systems
Consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves. Some are responsible for sight, hearing, taste, and smell
Somatic Nervous System
Automatic Nervous System
Has two division, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that are responsible for maintaining homeostasis.
Activates the “fight or flight” response by increasing pulse, respirations, and BP and slowing activity in the digestive tract.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Slows the pulse and respirations, decreases BP, and increases activity in the digestive tract
ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
TIA (aka ‘mini-stroke’)
Transient Ischemic Attack
CVA (aka ‘stroke’)
Cerebrovascular Accident
PD
Parkinson’s Disease
