Nervous System and Cranial Nerves Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering nervous system organization, neuron functional segments, brain structures, and the 12 cranial nerves.

General Functions of the Nervous System

A three-part operational pathway that collects information (Sensory, Afferent), processes and evaluates information, and initiates a response to information (Motor, Efferent).

Sensory (Afferent) Nervous System

The division of the nervous system responsible for collecting information.

Motor (Efferent) Nervous System

The division of the nervous system responsible for initiating a response to information.

Receptive Segment

The region of a neuron (dendrites and cell body) where the binding of neurotransmitter released from presynaptic neurons occurs and graded potentials are produced.

Initial Segment

The region of a neuron (axon hillock) responsible for the summation of graded potentials and the initiation of an action potential.

Conductive Segment

The axon region of a neuron responsible for the propagation of an action potential.

Transmissive Segment

The region of a neuron (synaptic knobs) where an arriving action potential causes the release of neurotransmitter.

Thalamus

A diencephalon structure composed of a dozen nuclei that each project to specific cortical regions; it receives signals from all conscious senses except olfaction.

Olfaction

The conscious sense of smell; it is the only conscious sense whose signals do not project through the thalamus.

Four Lobes of the Brain

The anatomical subdivisions of the cerebral hemisphere consisting of the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.

Brainstem

The stalk-like region of the brain consisting of three major structures: the midbrain, pons, and medulla.

Brain Ventricles

A communicating internal cavity network composed of two lateral ventricles, a third ventricle, and a fourth ventricle.

Meningeal Layers

The connective tissue membranes protecting the brain, consisting of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Olfactory Nerve (CN I)

A sensory cranial nerve responsible for smell.

Optic Nerve (CN II)

A sensory cranial nerve responsible for sight.

Oculomotor Nerve (CN III)

A cranial nerve with a motor function responsible for eye movement.

Trochlear Nerve (CN IV)

A cranial nerve with a motor function responsible for eye movement.

Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)

A cranial nerve with a sensory function for the face and a motor function for mastication.

Abducens Nerve (CN VI)

A cranial nerve with a motor function responsible for eye movement.

Facial Nerve (CN VII)

A cranial nerve with sensory function for taste and the ear canal, and motor function for muscles of facial expression and salivary glands.

VestibuloCochlear Nerve (CN VIII)

A sensory cranial nerve responsible for auditory function and balance.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX)

A cranial nerve with sensory function for taste and motor function for the gag reflex.

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

A cranial nerve with sensory function for the external ear and aortic arch/body, and motor function for vocalization, swallowing, and visceral motor activity.

Spinal Accessory Nerve (CN XI)

A motor cranial nerve that innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles.

Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII)

A motor cranial nerve responsible for movement of the tongue.