Nervous System Overview Flashcards
What are the two cells of the nervous system?
neuroglia, neurones
What are the functions of the nervous system?
communication, regulating internal events, organising behaviour (external), information storage (memory), sensations, perceptions, emotions
What is the CNS made of?
spinal cord and brain
What is the PNS made of?
cranial nerves and spinal nerves
What is the role of neuroglia cells?
supportive, nutritive role
What cell is responsible for the myelination in the PNS?
Schwann cell
What cell is responsible for the myelination in the CNS?
oligodendrocytes
What regions are white matter in the brain?
highly myelinated regions/axons
What is the role of astrocytes and where are they found?
Astrocytes are star- shaped cells with projections that anchor to capillaries. They form the blood brain barrier, which isolates the CNS from the general circulation. They provide nutrients to neurons in the CNS
What is the role of microglia and where are they found?
Microglia are phago-cytes that move through nervous tissue removing unwanted substances. Remove cell debris, wastes, and pathogens by phagocytosis. Found in the CNS
What is the role of ependymal cells and where are they found?
Ependymal cells are simple cuboidal epithelial cells that line fluid-filled passageways within the brain and spinal cord. Assist in producing, circulating, and monitoring cerebrospinal fluid. Found in CNS
What is the role of oligodendrocytes and where are they found?
Oligodendrocytes are cells with sheet-like processes that wrap around axons. Myelinate CNS axons; provide structural framework. Found in the CNS
What is the role of Schwann cells and where are they found?
Surround all axons in PNS; responsible for myelination of peripheral axons; participate in repair process after injury
What is the role of satellite cells and where are they found?
Surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia; regulate O2, CO2, nutrient, and neurotransmitter levels around neurons in ganglia. Found in the PNS
What are the systems of the PNS?
somatic (SNS) - conscious
autonomic (ANS) -non conscious
How many spinal nerves are there?
31 pairs
What does each spinal nerve contain?
many sensory and motor axons
What is the difference between motor and sensory neurons?
the main function of Sensory Neurons is to send sensory signals from sensory organs to the central nervous system. Motor Nerves are responsible for sending motor commands from the central nervous system to the sensory organs to initiate actions.
What is a dermatome?
regions of body surface that sensory neurons supply structure
What is a myotome?
region of muscle supplied by motor axon