Nervous tissue / system

What is neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the nervous system to adapt and change by strengthening existing connections.

What are the two types of the sensory nervous system?

The sensory nervous system consists of the somatic sensory system and the visceral sensory system.

What are the two types of the motor nervous system?

The motor nervous system includes the somatic motor system and the autonomic motor system.

What are neurons?

Neurons are electrically excitable cells in the nervous system.

What are glial cells?

Glial cells are nonexcitable cells that support and protect neurons.

What is the cell body of a neuron also known as?

The cell body of a neuron is also known as the soma.

What is the function of dendrites?

Dendrites receive input and transfer it to the cell body.

What is the axon?

The axon is a long process that conducts action potentials away from the cell body.

What functions do synaptic knobs serve?

Synaptic knobs house synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters and release them at synapses.

What distinguishes sensory neurons from motor neurons?

Sensory neurons (afferent) conduct input from receptors to the CNS, while motor neurons (efferent) conduct output from the CNS to effectors.

What do astrocytes do?

Astrocytes help form the blood-brain barrier and regulate tissue fluid composition in the CNS.

What is the primary function of ependymal cells?

Ependymal cells line the cavities in the brain and spinal cord and are part of the choroid plexus, producing cerebrospinal fluid.

What is myelination?

Myelination is the process of wrapping an axon with myelin, which insulates the axon and facilitates faster electrical conduction.

Which cells are responsible for myelination in the CNS?

Oligodendrocytes are responsible for myelination in the CNS.

What happens to PNS axons after trauma?

PNS axons can regenerate if the neuron cell body is intact and enough neurilemma remains.

What inhibits axon regeneration in the CNS?

Axon regeneration in the CNS is inhibited by growth-inhibiting molecules secreted by oligodendrocytes and obstructed by scars from astrocytes and connective tissue.