Fundamentals of the Nervous System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the fundamentals of the nervous system, including its structure, function, and the various types of cells involved.

Nervous System

The master controlling and communicating system of the body.

Sensory Input

Information gathered by sensory receptors about internal and external changes.

Integration

Processing and interpretation of sensory input.

Motor Output

Activation of effector organs (muscles and glands) produces a response.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; serves as integrative and control centers.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Communication lines between the CNS and the rest of the body; includes somatic and visceral sensory nerve fibers.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of PNS; voluntary control of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of PNS; involuntary control of cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands.

Neuroglia

Small cells that surround and wrap delicate neurons; support CNS neurons.

Astrocytes

Most abundant type of neuroglia; provide support and regulate the chemical environment around neurons.

Microglial Cells

Small cells that monitor neurons and can transform to phagocytize debris.

Ependymal Cells

Line the central cavities of the brain and spinal column; involved in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Oligodendrocytes

Branched cells that form insulating myelin sheaths around CNS nerve fibers.

Dendrites

Short, tapering, branched processes of a neuron that receive signals.

Axon

Long process of a neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

Protective, insulating layer around axons that increases the speed of impulse transmission.

Graded Potentials

Local changes in membrane potential that vary in size and can summate.

Action Potentials

Brief reversal of membrane potential that serves as a means of long-distance neural communication.

Refractory Period

Time during which neuron cannot trigger another action potential.

Chemical Synapse

Neurological junction where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Excitatory Post Synaptic Potential (EPSP)

Graded potentials that increase the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

Inhibitory Post Synaptic Potential (IPSP)

Graded potentials that decrease the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

First identified and best understood neurotransmitter; involved in muscle contraction.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure.