Untitled Flashcards Set

Functions of the Nervous System

Master controlling and communication system using electrical and chemical signals.

Sensory Input

Gathers information about internal and external changes.

Integration

Processes and interprets sensory input.

Motor Output

Activates effector organs (muscles and glands) to produce a response.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; integration and control center.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves extending from the CNS.

Sensory (Afferent) Division

Carries sensory information to CNS.

Motor (Efferent) Division

Carries commands from CNS to effectors.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

Voluntary control of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Involuntary control of organs.

Sympathetic Division

Part of ANS responsible for 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

CNS Neuroglia

Includes astrocytes, microglial cells, ependymal cells, oligodendrocytes.

PNS Neuroglia

Includes satellite cells and Schwann cells that form myelin sheaths.

Myelination

Process in which Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes wrap axons for faster impulse transmission.

Dendrites

Receive signals in a neuron.

Axon

Transmits impulses away from the neuron.

Cell Body (Soma)

Maintains the neuron and contains the nucleus.

White Matter

Composed of myelinated axons.

Gray Matter

Contains neuron cell bodies and unmyelinated fibers.

Graded Potentials

Small, localized voltage changes that can lead to action potentials.

Action Potentials

All-or-none signals that travel long distances.

Depolarization

Process of Na+ entering the neuron.

Repolarization

Process of K+ exiting the neuron.

Neurolemma

Part of Schwann cells that aids in PNS neuron repair.

Resting Membrane Potential

Voltage difference across the neuronal membrane at rest, maintained by Na+/K+ pump.

Cerebrum Functions

Responsible for sensory and motor processing.

Frontal Lobe Function

Involved in motor control, decision-making, and speech.

Temporal Lobe Function

Involved in hearing and memory.

Occipital Lobe Function

Involved in vision.

Cerebellum Functions

Coordinates movement, posture, and balance.

Myopia

Nearsightedness; image converges before the retina.

Hyperopia

Farsightedness; image converges behind the retina.

Astigmatism

Irregular curvature of cornea/lens causing distorted vision.

Cataract

Clouding of the lens.

Glaucoma

Increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve.