Organization, Cellular Components, and Topography of the CNS

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to the organization, cellular components, and topography of the central nervous system, along with its functions and associated diseases.

Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system, responsible for responding to stimuli and transmitting nerve impulses.

CNS

Central Nervous System, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System, which connects the CNS to the body’s tissues and organs.

Afferent

Signals that travel toward the CNS, often associated with sensory information.

Efferent

Signals that travel away from the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands.

Meninges

Three protective membranes covering the CNS: dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.

Dura mater

The outermost layer of the meninges, a tough and fibrous membrane.

Arachnoid

The middle layer of the meninges, characterized by a web-like appearance.

Pia mater

The innermost layer of the meninges, thin and highly vascular, covering the surfaces of the brain and spinal cord.

Action potential

A temporary reversal of the electrical polarization of the neuron membrane that travels along the axon.

Myelin

A lipid-rich substance that insulates axons, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons, or between a neuron and a muscle cell or gland, where neurotransmitters are released.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of myelin in the CNS resulting in disrupted nerve impulses.

Guillain-Barre syndrome

An acute inflammatory demyelinating disorder affecting the PNS, often following a respiratory infection.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often due to trauma.

Astrocytes

Supportive cells in the CNS that form the blood-brain barrier and maintain the extracellular environment.

Oligodendrocytes

Cells in the CNS that produce myelin for axons and provide metabolic support.

Schwann cells

Cells in the PNS that wrap around axons to form myelin sheaths.

Epidural space

The space between the bone and the dura mater surrounding the spinal cord.

Subdural space

The space between the dura and arachnoid mater.

Subarachnoid space

The space between the arachnoid and pia mater, containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).