The Nervous System Flashcards
How is the nervous system organised
The nervous system is split into two parts, the central which is the brain and spinal chord and the peripheral which is the nerves that connect everything to the central.
What is the function of neurons
Neurons conduct action potentials
What is the function of neuroglial cells
Neuroglial cells provide support, protection and nourishment to neurons
Draw the structure of a neuron
Should include cell body, axon, myelin sheath and dendrites
What are the three types of neurons
The three types of neurons are multipolar, bipolar and unipolar
What is an astrocyte
An astrocyte is a star shaped neuroglial cell in the central nervous system that wrap around blood vessels to create the blood brain barrier to stop toxins damaging neurons.
What is an ependymal cell
An ependymal cell is a cuboid neuroglial cell that produces cerebrospinal fluid which acts as a cushion to prevent damage
What is a microglial cell
A microglial cell is a immune neuroglial cell of the central nervous system that traps and destroys pathogens through phagocytosis
What is a schwann cell
A schwann cell is a neuroglial myelin containing cell that makes up the myelin sheath of the peripheral nervous system by wrapping around axons
What is a oligodendrocyte
An oligodendrocyte is a myelin containing neuroglial cell that makes up the myelin sheath of the central nervous system by wrapping around multiple axons at once.
What is an action potential
An action potential is a small 30 mv current generated when a neuron is stimulated
What is a synapse
A synapse is the connection between two neurons
What are anaethetics
Anaethetics are drugs that stop pain by blocking nerve impulses
What are analgesics
Analgesics are drugs that interfere with pain inducing substances
What is the brain stem
The brain stem consists of the medulla oblongata, the pons and the mid brain. It contains the autonomic centres such as the cardiac, respiratory and vasomotor (controls blood pressure)
What is the cerebellum
The cerebellum ensures balance and coordinated movements
What are the cerebral hemispheres
The cerebral hemispheres are contralateral as the left controls sensation and movement on the right and vise versa
What are the four lobes of each cerebral hemisphere
The frontal controls conscious movement. The parietal controls sense of touch, the occipital controls vison and the temporal controls hearing and memory
What are the meninges
The meninges are the three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal chord. The outer dura mater, the thin cobweb arachnoid mater in the middle and the dia mater underneath. In the spine there is a space around the dura mater called the epidural space. And beneath the arachnoid mater there is the subarachnoid space filled with cerebrospinal fluid
