EXER 2168 Lab – Spring 2025 Practical #4 Review Assignment

A set of vocabulary flashcards to aid in Understanding key terms and definitions relevant to the EXER 2168 Lab Practical #4.

Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system.

Neuroglia

Specialized supporting cells in the nervous system that assist and protect neurons.

Myelin sheath

An insulating layer around nerves, formed by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS.

Afferent neuron

A neuron that conducts impulses toward the central nervous system from the body periphery.

Efferent neuron

A neuron that conducts impulses away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Interneuron

A neuron that serves as a part of the conduction pathway between sensory and motor neurons.

CNS (Central Nervous System)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)

The part of the nervous system consisting of all nerves outside the CNS.

Synaptic cleft

The junction or point of close contact between neurons.

Dendrites

Receptive regions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

The impulse generator and transmitter of a neuron.

Axon terminal

The part of the neuron that secretes neurotransmitters.

Myelin sheath gaps (Nodes of Ranvier)

Gaps in the myelin sheath that facilitate rapid conduction of impulses.

Cerebral hemisphere

One of the two halves of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions.

Thalamus

The relay station for sensory pathways going to the cerebral cortex.

Cerebellum

The structure that regulates posture and coordination of muscle movements.

Hypothalamus

A site of regulation for body temperature and water balance; important autonomic center.

Meninges

Three protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebrospinal fluid

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and transport of nutrients.

Light refraction

The bending of light as it passes through different substances, crucial for clear vision.

Otoliths

Calcium carbonate grains in the maculae that help the body maintain static equilibrium.

Static equilibrium

The sense of balance or positional awareness regarding the head's static position.

Dynamic equilibrium

The sense of balance during head and body movement.

Endolymph

Fluid in the membranous labyrinth that helps stimulate hair cells during angular motion.