chapter 12 Nervous system

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to the anatomy and function of the nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside the central nervous system.

Neurons

The primary cells of the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals and processing information.

Glial cells (neuroglia)

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide structural and metabolic support to neurons.

Gray matter

Regions of the central nervous system that contain many cell bodies and are typically darker in appearance.

White matter

Regions of the central nervous system that consist mostly of axons and appear lighter in color due to myelin.

Nucleus (CNS)

A localized collection of neuron cell bodies within the central nervous system.

Ganglion (PNS)

A localized collection of neuron cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system.

Tract

A bundle of axons within the central nervous system.

Sensory function of the nervous system

The ability to receive information from internal and external environments.

Integration

The processing of sensory information to form a response in the central nervous system.

Motor response

The action taken in response to sensory information, which can be voluntary or involuntary.

Somatic nervous system

The part of the nervous system responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Enteric nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the functions of the digestive tract.

Action potential

An electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.

Oligodendrocyte

A type of glial cell in the central nervous system that produces myelin.

Astrocyte

A type of glial cell in the central nervous system that supports neurons and helps maintain the blood-brain barrier.

Microglia

Small glial cells in the central nervous system that act as immune cells.

Ependymal cells

Glial cells that line the ventricles of the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Schwann cells

Glial cells in the peripheral nervous system that produce myelin for axons.