The Nervous System Flashcards
The CNS and PS
Neuron is made up of what four things?
Soma, Dendrites, Axon, and Axon terminal
Soma
The body of the neuron. Integration, supports neurons basic physiological processes.
Dendrites
Input, receives information from other neurons & brings info from the world around us.
Axon
Send neurotransmitters to other neurons. Conduction zone, Passes ions back & forth conducting electricity. Coated in Myelin.
Axon terminal
contains and releases neurotransmitters near postsynaptic terminal. Output, sends out info from axons.
Sensory neuron
convey sensory info via axon found within the same structure. (in)
Motor neurons
convey motor info via axons from the central nervous system. (out)
Autonomic Nervous System
Controls involuntary movement for functions. Ex: Heartbeat, breathing, swallowing, and sweating by controlling heart muscle, smooth muscle, and exocrine glands
Autonomic Nervous System is made up of two parts. What are they and what do they do?
The sympathetic Nervous system - Prepares the body for rigorous activity by increasing heartbeat, inhibiting digestion, and opening airways.
The parasympathetic nervous system - Dominant during relaxed states and decreases heartbeat, stimulates digestion , and closes airways.
Basal Ganglia
Movement. - Caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus
Limbic System
Emotion and learning. - Amygdala, hippocampus, fornix, cingulate, gyrus, olfactory bulb, hypothalmus
Thalamus
Relay station
Hypothalamus
vital functions: hunger, thirst, temp regulation, sex; interface with hormonal system (pitutary)
Superior colliculi
vison. Part of tectum
Inferior colliculi
hearing. Part of tectum
Substantia nigra
movement
Reticular formation
Sleep/wake & concsciousness
Cerebellum
Balance & cognintion
Pons
source of many cranial nerves
Medulla
Transition from brain to spinal cord. Regulates heart rate and cranial nerves.
Cerebral Spinal Fluid
- Ventricular System
- Shock absorber
- Nutrients and signaling chemicals
Choroid Phexus
- Produces CSF
- Lines the lateral ventricles
How many glial cells will you find in the CNS?
Three: Oligodendrocytes, Astrocytes, and Microglial cells
What is an Oligodendrocyte?
A type of glial cell that makes myelin.
What is an astrocyte?
A type of glial cell that helps form the blood-brain barrier, break down certain neurotransmitters, and responds to injury.
What is a Microglial cell?
A type of glial cell that removes cellular waste and can release chemicals that either promote or reduce inflammation.
What is the autonomic nervous system?
It controls involuntary movements. Ex: heartbeat
What are the cerebral hemispheres and what do they do?
Frontal - (Front of the brain) cognitive functioning and movement.
Parietal - (middle top of the brain) touch, sensation, orientation.
Occipital - (back of the brain) controls vision
Temporal - (bottom front of the brain) language and audition, speech
What is the Cerebral cortex?
The surface of the brain
What is Gyri?
The Ridges of the brain
What is Sulci?
The crevices of the brain.
What does the Cerebellum do?
Facilitates balance and timing of movement. balance and cognition.
What is the Boca’s area?
It helps us to form our words
What is Wrenicke’s area?
In temporal lobe and processes understanding of language.
What is the Corpus Callosum?
It helps to connect the two hemispheres and helps them to understand each other
Gray matter vs. White matter?
Gray matter = Where cell bodies lie
White matter = Pathways in the brain
What is the Basal Ganglia?
Helps with movement. Is made of three parts: caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus
What is the Limbic System?
Helps with emotion and learning. Made up of: Amygdala, hippocampus, fornix, cingulate gyrus, olfactory bulb, hypothalamus
The hippocampus is used for…
Long term memory
What is the Thalmus?
Relay station - Routes info from the body to appropriate lobes. The info has to come here first.
Hypothalamus
In control of vital functions such as: hunger, thrist, temp regulation, & sex
Mid brain structures:
- Superior colliculi = vision
- Inferior colliculi = hearing
- Substantia nigra = movement
- Reticular formation = sleep/wave & consciousness
Parts near the brain stem:
- Cerebellum = balance & cognition
- Pons = source of many crainal nerves
- Medulla = Transition from brain to spinal cord, heart rate, & cranial nerves
