Neurology (Pt. 1) Flashcards
What is the function of the nervous system?
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and is responsible for coordinating all the body’s activity.
What is entailed by coordination of the nervous system?
This task involves receiving information from sensory receptors and then using that information to adjust the activity of muscles and glands to match the body’s needs.
What are the divisions of the nervous system?
The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
The PNS comprises all the nerves carrying electrical impulses between the CNS and all of the body’s organs.
Nuerons
Comprise the structures of the nervous system; these cells conduct the electrical impulses necessary to carry information between the CNS and the body.
Synapse
The point at which one neuron meets another
Synaptic Cleft
Electrical impulses cannot pass directly across the gap between the two neurons, called the synaptic cleft.
Since electrical signals cannot cross the synaptic cleft, how do they cross the signal?
The call upon the help of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters to cross the cleft and transfer the signal.
Myelin
Many neurons are covered by myelin, an insulating substance that helps neurons conduct their electrical impulses faster.
Nuerology
The branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
What do else besides neural conditions do neurologist treat?
They can also treat muscle conditions that are caused by nervous system problems.
Neurosurgery
Another specialty that includes surgical procedures for the treatment of nervous system conditions.
cerebell/o
cerebellum
cerebr/o
cerebrum
encephal/o
brain
medull/o
medulla oblongata
