Topic 4 - The Nervous System Flashcards
a division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord - integrating center
central nervous system (CNS)
a division of the nervous system consisting of everything outside the CNS - carries information to CNS and carries instructions from CNS to effectors
peripheral nervous system (PNS)
muscles and glands? *need a more thorough definition
effectors
a class of cells in the brain and spinal cord that support and protect neurons
neuroglia
the part of the neuron that contains organelles
cell body
a tiny cellular structure that performs specific functions within a cell
organelle
an extension of the neuron that carries signals AWAY from its cell body towards another neuron or effector
axon
an extension of the neuron that carries signals TOWARDS its cell body from another neuron
dendrite
a bundle of axons in the PNS
nerve
a bundle of nerve fibres in the CNS
tract
a white, fatty material that insulates axons
myelin
the site of communication between two neurons
synapse
the chemical molecule that moves from one neuron to the next at the
synapse
neurotransmitter
gap between 2 neurons that the neurotransmitters have to cross.
synaptic cleft
has two hemispheres (rounded halves), has 4 lobes *need definition
cerebrum
lobe where conscious movement of skeletal muscles, thinking takes place
frontal lobe
lobe where touch analysis takes place
parietal lobe
lobe where auditory (hearing) analysis and smell analysis takes place
temporal lobe
lobe where visual analysis takes place
occipital lobe
a sudden neurological affliction usually related to the impaired cerebral blood supply
stroke
the connective tissue coverings of the brain and spinal cord
meninges
12 pairs of nerves that connect to the brain
cranial nerves
the 62 nerves of the PNS carry information to and from the spinal cord.
spinal nerves
nerve carries both incoming and outgoing signals (to and from the CNS)
mixed nerve
One of the three main divisions of the PNS, that controls the skeletal muscles
somatic nervous system (SNS)
One of the three main divisions of the PNS, that controls the blood vessels, heart, smooth muscles, viscera, and glands
autonomic nervous system (ANS)
One of the three main divisions of the PNS, that controls digestion and can function independently of ANS & CNS
enteric nervous system (ENS)
One of the two divisions of the ANS (autonomic nervous system), known as “fight or flight”, INCREASES heart rate
sympathetic nervous system
One of the two divisions of the ANS (autonomic nervous system), known as “rest & digest”, DECREASES heart rate
parasympathetic nervous system
