Nervous System Flashcards

Flashcards about the nervous system, neurons, and brain divisions.

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

To maintain homeostasis and provide information about internal and external environmental changes.

What is sensory input?

Information apparent to our senses like smell, sight, touch, taste, and hearing.

What are the three major functions of the nervous system?

Collecting sensory input, processing sensory input, and responding appropriately to sensory input.

What are the three major parts of a neuron?

Nucleus (cell body), dendrites, and axons.

What is the function of the nucleus in a neuron?

Main processing center of the cell, regulates cell's functions.

What is the function of dendrites?

Conduct nerve impulses toward the cell body.

What is the function of axons?

Conduct nerve impulses away from the cell body.

What are the three types of neurons?

Efferent (motor), afferent (sensory), and interneuron.

What is the function of efferent (motor) neurons?

Conveys information from the CNS to muscles and glands.

What is the function of afferent (sensory) neurons?

Carry information from sensory receptors to the CNS.

What is the function of interneurons?

Carry and process sensory information.

What are the two major components of the nervous system?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What makes up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Brain and spinal cord.

What makes up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

All the nerves that lead into and out of the CNS.

What is the function of the central nervous system?

Integrate and coordinate sensory and motor information, responsible for higher neural functions.

What are the four main parts of the brain?

Cerebrum, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum.

What are the parts of the brainstem?

Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

What is the function of the cerebellum?

Coordinates musculoskeletal movement to maintain posture, balance, and muscle tone.

What are the components of the diencephalon?

Thalamus, hypothalamus, epithalamus, and ventral thalamus.

What are the three layers of meninges protecting the brain and spinal cord?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

What are the two divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Sensory/Afferent and Motor/Efferent Divisions.