Untitled Flashcards Set

Central nervous system

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system

Includes all nerves found outside the brain and spinal cord.

Sensory division

The part of the peripheral nervous system that sends impulses to the CNS.

Sympathetic division

Part of the autonomic nervous system activated in emergency situations (fight or flight).

Parasympathetic division

Works to reduce the sympathetic response and provides resting functions.

Motor division

The division of the peripheral nervous system that sends impulses from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Sensory input

Detection of stimuli inside and outside the body.

Integration

The process of processing and interpreting sensory information.

Response

Activation of muscles or glands as a reaction to stimuli.

Neurons

Nerve cells that conduct impulses around the body.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that insulate and protect neurons.

Dendrites

Processes that bring impulses toward the cell body of a neuron.

Axons

Processes that send impulses away from the cell body of a neuron.

Axon terminals

Endpoints of axons that release neurotransmitters to pass impulses to the next neuron.

Afferent neurons

Neurons that carry impulses toward the CNS.

Efferent neurons

Neurons that carry impulses away from the CNS.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect afferent and efferent neurons.

Myelin

A waxy insulation wrapped around axons that helps nerve impulses travel more quickly.

Schwann cells

A type of neuroglia that wraps around axons to form the myelin sheath.

Myelin sheath

Collective term for the myelin wrapping around the axons.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath between Schwann cells.

Astrocytes

Neuroglial cells in the CNS that support and anchor neurons to capillaries.

Microglia

Neuroglial cells that provide immune response in the CNS.

Ependymal cells

Cells that secrete and circulate cerebrospinal fluid in the CNS.

Oligodendrocytes

Cells that provide myelin insulation to neurons in the CNS.

Satellite cells

Neuroglial cells in the PNS that support and anchor neurons.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that protects the brain and maintains homeostasis.

Ventricles

Spaces in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid is produced.

Choroid plexus

Clusters of capillaries in the ventricles that secrete cerebrospinal fluid.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions.

Corpus callosum

The bundle of fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum.

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the skull, coordinates voluntary movements.

Gray matter

Part of the brain made up of neuronal cell bodies and dendrites.

White matter

Part of the brain made up of myelinated axons.

Frontal lobe

Involved in voluntary movements, reasoning, decision making, and verbal communication.

Parietal lobe

Processes sensations, visual-spacial processing, and body position.

Occipital lobe

Responsible for visual processing and memory of objects.

Temporal lobe

Involved in memory, comprehension, pronunciation of words, and emotional association.

Thalamus

Relays sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex for processing.

Hypothalamus

Regulates autonomic processes and controls hormones.

Brain stem

Located between the cerebrum and spinal cord; regulates basic life functions.

Midbrain

Part of the brain stem that relays information to the cerebrum.

Pons

Bridge connecting the cerebrum and cerebellum, involved in breathing regulation.

Medulla oblongata

Controls autonomic functions like blood pressure and heart rate.

Spinal cord

Connects brain to the peripheral nervous system and relays impulses.

Reflexes

Preprogrammed responses to stimuli involving the spinal cord.

Reflex arc

The pathway traveled during a reflex action; includes receptor, sensory neuron, integration, motor neuron, and effector.

Sclera

The white outer layer of the eye that provides protection and shape.

Choroid

The middle vascular layer of the eye that includes the iris and pupil.

Retina

The innermost layer of the eye containing photoreceptors.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that allows light in.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that regulates the amount of light entering.

Pupil

The opening in the center of the iris that controls light entry.

Lens

A semi-solid structure that directs light towards the retina.

Ciliary muscles

Muscles that adjust the shape of the lens for focusing.

Aqueous humor

Fluid that nourishes the cornea and fills the space in front of the lens.

Vitreous humor

Thick jelly-like fluid filling the space between the lens and retina.