Nervous System Vocabulary and Terminology

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the organs, structures, cells, and clinical terminology of the nervous system based on Chapter 10 lecture materials.

acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter chemical released at the ends of nerve cells.

afferent nerve

A nerve that carries messages toward the brain and spinal cord from receptors.

arachnoid membrane

The middle layer of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

astrocyte

A type of glial cell that transports water and salts from capillaries to maintain the nervous system's health.

autonomic nervous system

A division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary body functions of muscles, glands, and internal organs.

axon

A microscopic fiber that carries the nervous impulse away from the cell body along a nerve cell.

blood-brain barrier (BBB)

A protective separation between the blood and brain cells that prevents certain substances from entering the brain.

brainstem

The posterior portion of the brain containing the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; it connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord.

cauda equina

A collection of spinal nerves located below the end of the spinal cord.

central nervous system (CNS)

The division of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

cerebellum

The posterior part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle movements and maintaining balance.

cerebral cortex

The outer region of the cerebrum containing sheets of nerve cells; also known as gray matter.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that circulates throughout the brain and spinal cord, contained within the ventricles and subarachnoid space.

cerebrum

The largest portion of the brain; it manages voluntary muscle activity, vision, speech, hearing, and thought.

cranial nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that carry messages to and from the brain, primarily regarding the head and neck.

dendrite

A microscopic branching fiber of a nerve cell that serves as the first part to receive a nervous impulse.

dura mater

The thick, outermost layer of the meninges that protects the brain and spinal cord.

efferent nerve

A motor nerve that carries messages away from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and organs.

ependymal cell

A glial cell that lines brain and spinal cord membranes and assists in forming cerebrospinal fluid.

ganglion

A collection of nerve cell bodies located in the peripheral nervous system.

glial cell

A supportive and connective nerve cell that does not carry impulses but can reproduce itself; includes astrocytes and microglia.

gyrus

A rounded ridge or convolution on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

hypothalamus

The brain region below the thalamus that controls sleep, appetite, body temperature, and the pituitary gland.

medulla oblongata

The part of the brain just above the spinal cord that regulates vital functions like breathing and heartbeat.

meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

microglial cell

A phagocytic glial cell responsible for removing waste products from the central nervous system.

myelin sheath

A white fatty tissue covering that insulates the axon and increases the speed of impulse conduction.

neuron

An individual nerve cell that carries impulses throughout the body; the parenchyma of the nervous system.

neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger released at the end of a nerve cell to stimulate or inhibit another cell across a synapse.

oligodendroglial cell

A glial cell that forms the myelin sheath covering the axons.

parasympathetic nerves

Autonomic nerves that regulate normal body functions, such as slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.

parenchyma

The essential, distinguishing tissue of an organ; specifically neurons and nerves in the nervous system.

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, including cranial, spinal, and autonomic nerves.

pia mater

The thin, delicate inner membrane of the meninges.

plexus

A large, interlacing network of nerves.

pons

The part of the brainstem that bridges the cerebrum and cerebellum with the rest of the brain.

receptor

An organ like the skin, eye, or ear that receives a stimulus and passes it to afferent nerves.

sciatic nerve

A major nerve extending from the base of the spine down the thigh, lower leg, and foot.

stroma

The connective and supporting tissue of an organ, such as the glial cells in the brain.

sulcus

A depression or groove in the surface of the cerebral cortex; also called a fissure.

sympathetic nerves

Autonomic nerves that stimulate bodily functions in response to stress.

synapse

The space through which a nervous impulse travels between nerve cells or between a nerve and an effector cell.

thalamus

The main relay center of the brain that conducts impulses between the spinal cord and the cerebrum.

vagus nerve

The tenth cranial nerve, which has branches reaching the larynx, lungs, heart, and stomach.

ICP

Abbreviation for intracranial pressure; the normal range is approximately $5 \text{ to } 15\,mmHg$.

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

A vascular disorder involving a blood clot (thrombotic/embolic) or a broken vessel (hemorrhagic) in the brain.

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

A procedure used to provide pain relief through electrical impulses via the skin.

encephal/o

Combining form meaning brain.

radicul/o

Combining form meaning nerve root.

esthesi/o

Combining form meaning feeling or nervous sensation.