The Nervous System Flashcards
How heavy is the brain?
1.5kg
What does the nervous system consist of?
Brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves
What are the types of cells in the brain?
Neurons and glial cells
What are the three main types of neurons?
- Sensory neurons
- Motor neurons
- Interneurons
What do sensory neurons do?
They are connected to receptors specialised to detect and respond to different attributes of the internal and external environment
What do motor neurons do?
They control the activity of muscles and are responsible for all forms of behaviour including speech
What type of neuron exist in the greatest quantity?
Interneurons
Where are interneurons?
Situated between the sensory and motor neurons
What do interneurons do?
Mediate simple reflexes and responsible for highest functions of brain
What do glial cells do?
Support neurons
What do neurons consist of?
- Cell body
2. Processes: axons & dendrites
What do axons do?
Transmit information from neuron on to others
What do dendrites do?
Receive information being transmitted by axons of other neurons
What is something both processes (axons and dendrites) do?
Participate in specialised contacts called synapses
How are neurons organised?
They are organised in complex chains and network that are pathways where information in nervous system is transmitted