The Central Nervous System Flashcards
neuron
nerve cell
soma
cell body containing the nucleus and most of the metabolic machinery (mitochonderia ; parts of the organism other than the reproductive cells
dendrites
transmit electrical impulses to the the cell body; stimulated by environmental changes or the activities of the other cells
axons
transmit electrical impulses away from the cell body; conducts nerve impulse (action potential) away from the soma
synaptic terminals
affect another neuron or effector (muscle, gland, etc.)
acetylcholine
neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic and somatic (voluntary) nervous systems
norepinephrine
found in the synaptic terminals of sympathetic nerves
meninges
membranes covering and protecting the brain and spinal cord; consist of pia mater, arachnoid membrane, and dura mater
pia mater
Delicate innermost layer of the brain and spinal cord. Thin fibrous tissue that is impermeable to fluid. Allows blood vessels to pass through and nourish the brain.
arachnoid membrane
middle layer of the 3 menings (membranes) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Weblike structure between the dura mater and pia mater.
dura mater
outer most membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord
subarachnoid space
space between the pia mater and the arachnoid membrane
epidural space
space outside the dura mater
subdural space
space between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane
cerebrospinal fluid
watery, clear fluid that acts as a cushion to protect these organs from physical impact
brainstem
mesencephalon (midrain), pons, and the medulla oblongate
cerebrum
*sensory and motor actions* / anterior and middle area of the cranium, containing 2 hemispheres joined by a structure called the corpus callosum
diencephalon (interbrain)
*involuntary actions - temperature regulation, sleep, water balance, stress response, emotions* / covered by the cerebrum, inside are the thalamus, hypothalamus, and limbic system
mesencephalon (midbrain)
*motor coordination and eye movement* / between the diencephalon and the pons
pons
*contains connections between the brain and spinal cord* / between the mid-brain and the medulla oblongata
medulla oblongata
*major centers for controlling respiration, cardiac activity, and vasomotor activity* / located between the pons and the spinal cord (marks the division between the spinal cord and the brain
cerebellum
*fine motor movement, posture, equilibrium, and muscle tone* / located in the posterior fossa of the cranial cavity, consisting of 2 hemispheres closely related to the brainstem and higher centers
speech
temporal lobe of the cerebrum
vision
occipital cortex of the cerebrum
personality
frontal lobes of the cerebrum
balance & coordination
cerebellum
sensory
parietal lobes of the cerebrum
motor
frontal lobes of the cerebrum
reticular activating system (RAS)
lateral portion of the medulla, pons, midbrain / sends impulses to and receives impulses from the cerebral cortex / diffuse system of interlacing nerve cells responsible from maintaining consciousness the ability to respond to stimuli
circle of Willis
blood flow to the brain provided by two systems, carotid system (anterior) & vertebrobasilar system (posterior) and join at the circle of Willis before entering the structure of the brain
afferent
sensory / fibers transmit impulses to the central nervous system from the body
efferent
motor / fibers carry impulses from the central nervous system to the body
dermatome
nerve root has a corresponding area of the skin which supplies sensation
