BIOL214 Nervous System

Astrocytes

Regulate what enters the CNS by surrounding localized capillaries

Microglia

Phagocytic cells that destroy pathogens and debris

Oligodendrocytes

Provide insulating myelin sheath around axon

Ependymal

Produce cerebral spinal fluid which circulates nutrients

Schwann

Provide insulating myelin sheath around axon (similar to oligodendrocyte)

Satellite

Surround neuron body and regulate material exchange (similar to astrocytes)

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles ready for release.

Post-synaptic membrane

May be a dendrite, a muscle, or an endocrine (hormone) gland

Endoneurium

Encapsulates individual myelinated axons

Perineurium

Surrounds individual fascicles

Epineurium

Surrounds the entire nerve (includes all fascicles and blood vessels)

Cerebrum

Function: conscious thought and higher learning

Gyri

Folds in the brain that increase surface area

Sulci

Valleys in the brain

Corpus callosum

Connects the two hemispheres of the brain

Cerebellum

Second largest region; Function: monitor body position and coordinate movement

Arbor Vitae

Means 'tree of life'; branching structures in the cerebellum that look like trees

Thalamus

Interpreting sensory information

Hypothalamus

Emotions, instincts, and link to endocrine system

Brain stem

Conduct basic housekeeping and survival tasks of the body

Ventricles

Produce and circulate cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)

Choroid Plexus

Tangled mass of capillaries hanging from the roof of third and fourth ventricles

Meningitis

Inflammation of the meninges

Cranial nerves

While the brain is part of the CNS, cranial nerves are part of the PNS

Spinal cord

Recall the different regions of the spinal cord: Cervical (8 pair), Thoracic (12 pair), Lumbar (5 pair), Sacral (5 pair), Coxigial (1 pair)