Untitled Flashcard Set

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Negative feedback loop

A process that counteracts a change in a physiological variable to bring it back to a set point.

Positive feedback loop

A process that enhances or magnifies changes in a physiological variable.

Neuron

A specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses.

Cell body (soma)

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles.

Dendrite

Branch-like structures on neurons that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

A long, thin structure that transmits electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around a nerve to allow for faster transmission of impulses.

Myelin sheath

A protective covering that insulates axons and increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

Multipolar neuron

A type of neuron that has multiple dendrites and one axon, allowing for integration of information.

Bipolar neuron

A neuron with one axon and one dendrite, typically found in sensory organs.

Pseudounipolar neuron

A neuron that has a single elongated process that splits into two branches, often found in sensory pathways.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells in the nervous system that assist, nourish, and protect neurons.

Oligodendrocyte

A type of neuroglial cell that forms the myelin sheath in the central nervous system.

Schwann cell

A type of glial cell that forms the myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system.

Central nervous system (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that consists of all the nerves outside the CNS.

Cranial nerve

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, including the brainstem.

Spinal nerve

Nerves that emerge from the spinal cord.

Ganglion (ganglia)

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

Epineurium

The outermost layer of connective tissue surrounding a peripheral nerve.

Perineurium

The protective sheath that surrounds a nerve fascicle.

Endoneurium

The delicate connective tissue surrounding individual nerve fibers.