Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the nervous system and nervous tissue as discussed in the lecture.

Neurotransmitter

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

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for integration and control.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The portion of the nervous system outside the CNS, including spinal and cranial nerves.

Sensory Input

Information gathered by sensory receptors about internal and external changes.

Integration

Processing and interpretation of sensory input by the nervous system.

Motor Output

Activation of effector organs (muscles and glands) that result in a response.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells in the CNS that support and brace neurons.

Microglial Cells

Small, ovoid glial cells that act as defensive cells in the CNS.

Ependymal Cells

Glial cells that line the central cavities of the brain and spinal column, may be ciliated.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the CNS that form myelin sheaths around nerve fibers.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells in the PNS that wrap around nerve fibers to form myelin sheaths.

Myelin Sheath

A protective and insulating layer around axons that accelerates nerve impulse transmission.

Dendrites

Short, tapering processes of a neuron that convey incoming messages toward the cell body.

Axon

A long, singular extension from a neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body.

Multipolar Neurons

Neurons with three or more processes; they are the most common type in the CNS.

Bipolar Neurons

Neurons with two processes; they are rare and found in special sensory organs.

Unipolar Neurons

Neurons with a single T-like process; mainly sensory neurons.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that transmit impulses from sensory receptors toward the CNS.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry impulses from the CNS to effectors, such as muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Neurons that lie between motor and sensory neurons and shuttle signals through CNS pathways.