Review of Nervous System and Tissues

These flashcards contain key vocabulary related to the nervous system and body tissues, covering definitions and key concepts.

Epithelial Tissue

A type of tissue that forms protective layers on body surfaces and lines cavities.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, responsible for transmitting impulses.

Neuron

A nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses and consists of a cell body and processes.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that help protect and maintain neurons.

Axon

A long, thin projection of a neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrite

A short, branched extension of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Composed of all the nerves outside the CNS, including cranial and spinal nerves.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS responsible for voluntary movements.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells in the PNS that produce the myelin sheath around neuronal axons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the CNS that produce myelin sheaths around axons.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that provide support and nutrition to neurons.

Microglia

Phagocytic cells in the CNS that act as the primary immune defense.

Satellite Cells

Cells found in ganglia that provide support to neurons in the PNS.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer surrounding axons that insulates and improves impulse conduction.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, controlling sensory and motor functions.

Spinal Nerves

Thirty-one pairs of nerves that originate from the spinal cord.

Dermatome

An area of skin supplied by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve root.