Central and Peripheral Nervous System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Central and Peripheral Nervous System, including anatomical structures, functions, and related processes.

Central Nervous System

Includes the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing and transmitting information.

Peripheral Nervous System

Composed of all nerves outside the Central Nervous System; connects the CNS to limbs and organs.

Receptor

A sensory structure that detects changes in the environment and sends impulses to the nervous system.

Afferent Process

Pathway along which impulses are transmitted to the central nervous system from sensory organs.

Efferent Pathway

Pathway along which impulses are transmitted from the central nervous system to effectors (muscles and glands).

Gray Matter

Area of the brain and spinal cord composed primarily of neuronal cell bodies; involved in processing information.

White Matter

Area of the brain and spinal cord composed primarily of myelinated axons; involved in transmitting signals.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the cerebrum; involved in high-level functions such as perception, language, thought, and motor control.

Thalamus

Large mass of gray matter that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus

Region of the brain that regulates autonomic nervous system functions, homeostasis, and emotions.

Cerebellum

Brain structure involved in the coordination of voluntary movements and balance.

Brain Stem

Part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord; responsible for controlling involuntary functions.

Reticulating Formation

Network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates sleep/wake cycles and general consciousness.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that originate in the brain and primarily serve the head and neck.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action, consisting of a receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.

Somatosensory System

Part of the sensory system responsible for processing sensory information from body parts.

Homunculus

A representation of the body in the brain indicating the location of neuron cell bodies in motor and sensory cortex.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that protect and assist neurons.

Neuron

The fundamental unit of the nervous system that transmits nerve impulses.

Plasma Membrane

Biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of cells from the extracellular environment.

Meninges

Three layers of protective tissue that encase the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Clear fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and supplies nutrients to nervous tissue.

Pyramidal Tracts

Major pathways in the nervous system that carry motor signals from the brain.

Sensory Integration

The process by which the brain combines information from different sensory modalities.