the nervous system Flashcards
what are the three functions of the nervous system
(1)- Sensory input It uses its millions of sensory receptors to monitor
changes occurring both inside and outside the body. These changes are called stimuli, and the gathered information is called sensory input. (2)- Integration It processes and interprets the sensory input and decides what should be done at each moment.
(3)- Motor output It then causes a response, or effect, by activating muscles or glands (effectors) via motor output.
is the somatic nervous system voluntary or involuntary
voluntary- skeletal muscles
is the autonomic nervous system voluntary or involuntary
involuntary- cardiac/smooth muscle and glands
what are the supporting cells
astrocytes
microglia
ependymal
oligodendrocytes
what are the functions of astrocytes
abundant star-shaped cells
that account for nearly half of neural tissue
Their numerous projections that cling to neurons, bracing them and anchoring them to their nutrient supply lines, the blood capillaries. Astrocytes form a living barrier between capillaries and neurons, help determine capillary permeability
play a role in making exchanges between the two.
they help protect the neurons from harmful substances that might be in the blood.
Astrocytes also help control the chemical environment in the brain by “mopping up” leaked potassium
ions, which are involved in generating a nerve impulse, and recapturing chemicals released for communication purposes.
what are the functions of microglia
spiderlike phagocytes that monitor the health of nearby neurons
and dispose of debris, such as dead brain cells
and bacteria
what are the functions of ependymal
neuroglia that line the central cavities of the brain and the spinal cord (Figure 7.3c). They participate in the
production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the
beating of their cilia helps to circulate the cerebrospinal fluid that fills those cavities and forms
a protective watery cushion around the CNS.
what are the functions of oligodendrocytes
neuroglia that wrap their flat extensions (processes)
tightly around CNS nerve fibers, producing fatty
insulating coverings called myelin sheaths
what is the function of dendrites
convey incoming messages (electrical signals) toward the cell body
what is the function of axons
those that generate nerve impulses and typically conduct them away from the cell body
what is the function of axon terminals
contain hundreds of tiny vesicles or membranous sacs with neurotransmitters
what is the function of myelin sheaths
myelin protects and insulates the fibers and increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission
what are ganglia
small collections of cell bodies that are found outside the CNS and in the PNS
what does white matter consist of
white matter consists of dense collections of myelinated fibers (tract)
what does gray matter consist of
gray matter consists of unmyelinated fibers and cell bodies
what is the function of the gray matter
- Localizes and interprets sensory inputs
- Controls voluntary and skilled skeletal muscle activity
- Acts in intellectual and emotional processing