Introduction to the Nervous System & Nervous Tissue

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the nervous system and nervous tissue.

Sensory function of the nervous system

Sensory receptors detect internal and external stimuli, conveying impulses toward the brain.

Integrative function of the nervous system

Interneurons process sensory input to form perceptions and convey impulses to motor neurons.

Motor function of the nervous system

Impulses traveling along motor neurons stimulate effectors like muscles and glands to respond.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of normal physiological conditions for well-being.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Contains all nerves in the body, originating from the brain and spinal cord.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The involuntary portion of the nervous system, consisting of sensory and motor fibers to/from visceral body parts.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

The part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles.

Neurons

Specialized nerve cells that create action potentials to transmit signals.

Axon

A long cylindrical process of the neuron that carries impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrites

Extensions of neurons that receive impulses from other areas and carry them toward the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer around axons that speeds up signal transmission.

Sensory neurons (Afferent)

Neurons that carry information toward the central nervous system.

Astrocytes

Neuroglial cells in the CNS that maintain the blood-brain barrier and support neurons.

Schwann cells

Glial cells in the PNS that myelinate nerve fibers.

Regeneration of nerve fibers

Repair of nerve fibers can occur, particularly in the PNS if the cell body is intact.

Sensory function of the nervous system

Sensory receptors detect internal and external stimuli, conveying impulses toward the brain.

Integrative function of the nervous system

Interneurons process sensory input to form perceptions and convey impulses to motor neurons.

Motor function of the nervous system

Impulses traveling along motor neurons stimulate effectors like muscles and glands to respond.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of normal physiological conditions for well-being.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Contains all nerves in the body, originating from the brain and spinal cord.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The involuntary portion of the nervous system, consisting of sensory and motor fibers to/from visceral body parts.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

The part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles.

Neurons

Specialized nerve cells that create action potentials to transmit signals.

Axon

A long cylindrical process of the neuron that carries impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrites

Extensions of neurons that receive impulses from other areas and carry them toward the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer around axons that speeds up signal transmission.

Sensory neurons (Afferent)

Neurons that carry information toward the central nervous system.

Motor neurons (Efferent)

Neurons that carry impulses from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Interneurons (Association neurons)

Neurons located entirely within the CNS that integrate sensory input and coordinate motor output.

Astrocytes

Neuroglial cells in the CNS that maintain the blood-brain barrier and support neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

Neuroglial cells in the CNS that form myelin sheaths around axons.

Microglia

Neuroglial cells in the CNS that act as phagocytes, removing cellular debris and pathogens.

Ependymal cells

Neuroglial cells in the CNS that line the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord, producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Schwann cells

Glial cells in the PNS that myelinate nerve fibers.

Satellite cells

Glial cells in the PNS that surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia, providing support and protection.

Regeneration of nerve fibers

Repair of nerve fibers can occur, particularly in the PNS if the cell body is intact.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons or between a neuron and an effector, where nerve impulses are transmitted.

Action potential

A rapid, temporary change in the electrical potential across a neuron's membrane, allowing for signal transmission.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A division of the ANS responsible for 'fight or flight' responses, preparing the body for stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A division of the ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, conserving energy and promoting relaxation.

Nissl bodies

Granular bodies in the cell body and dendrites of neurons, composed of rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis.

Axon hillock

The cone-shaped region of the neuron's cell body where the axon originates, responsible for initiating action potentials.

Axon terminals

The specialized endings of an axon that form synapses with other neurons or effector cells, releasing neurotransmitters.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps or interruptions in the myelin sheath along an axon, where the action potential 'jumps' from node to node, speeding up nerve impulse conduction.