Neurology/ Nervous system (chapter 7) Flashcards
What is our nervous system?
A complex network of cells and fibers that send impulses between parts of the body
What’s a basic structural unit for the nervous system and what does it do?
The neuron or nerve cell is our basic structural unit; cells that transmit nerve impulses and forms towards the cell body building up the nervous system
What are our nerves?
Combinations of many nerve fibers located outside the brain and spinal cord that send signals between the central system and other body parts
Central Nervous System
Nerve tissues that control the activities of the body, consisting of the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System
Outside the brain and spinal cord responsible for sending information between the central system and the rest of the body, consisting the two divisions: the Somatic & Automatic nervous systems
Somatic Nervous System
Carries messages between the central system and the body controlling movements like walking and talking
Automatic Nervous System
Contains the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems to control involuntary body functions like heartbeat or digestion
Brain
An organ that serves as the center of the nervous system, controlling thoughts, emotions, and bodily functions
Cerebrum
Largest part of the brain, responsible for activities like thinking, speaking and problem-solving, memory, sight, smell, hearing, etc.
Cerebellum
Part of the brain that coordinates movements, balance and posture, and muscle tone
Diencephalon
A region of the brain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus regulating bodily functions
Thalamus
Part of the diencephalon that relies on sensory to the cerebrum, playing key roles in perception and consciousness
Hypothalamus
Part of the diencephalon that regulates body temp, hunger, thirst, sleep, blood vessel, and hormone released from pituitary gland
Midbrain
The region of the brainstem that conducts sensory and motor functions for brain parts and for certain eye & auditory reflexes
Pons
Part of the brainstem that connects the cerebrum and the cerebellum, for reflex actions like chewing, tasting, respirations and facial expressions
Medulla Oblongata
Lowest part of the brainstem, regulating vital functions like breathing, heart, rate or blood pressure
Spinal Cord
Bundle of nerves that run down the back and signals between the brain and the rest of the body for reflex actions and coordination
Meninges
Three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord providing support and cushioning
Ventricles
Interconnected cavities within the brain that produce and contain choroid plexuses fluid that nourishes and protects the brain and spinal cord
Cerebrospinal/Choroid Fluids
Clear, colorless fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, giving nutrients and taking out wastes
Sympathetic
Autonomic systems that prepares the body for stress or danger, activating fight-or-flight responses
Parasympathetic
Autonomic systems that calms the body and conserves energy, promoting rest, relaxing and digestion
ALS
(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
A neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness and loss of motor control
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands with compressions from the median nerve in the wrist