Neurons and Nervous System Structure

A set of flashcards covering the key concepts related to neurons, neuroglial cells, brain structure, and special senses learned in the lecture.

Neuron

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; has three main parts: dendrites, cell body, and axon.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Cell Body

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles.

Axon

A long, thin structure that transmits electrical impulses away from the neuron.

Neurolemmocyte

Also known as Schwann cells, these cells form the myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system.

Myelin Sheath

A protective covering that surrounds axons, increasing the speed of electrical impulses.

Unipolar Neuron

A type of neuron with a single process that branches into peripheral and central processes.

Bipolar Neuron

A neuron with two processes: one dendrite and one axon.

Multipolar Neuron

A common type of neuron that has multiple dendrites and one axon.

Neuroglia

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

Ependymal Cells

Neuroglia that line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the central nervous system that produce myelin.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells in the brain and spinal cord that support neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier.

Microglia

Immune cells of the central nervous system that remove debris.

Endoneurium

A protective connective tissue layer surrounding individual nerve fibers.

Perineurium

A protective layer surrounding bundles of nerve fibers.

Epineurium

The outermost layer of connective tissue surrounding a nerve.

Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

The outermost, tough layer of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle layer of the meninges, resembling a spider web in structure.

Pia Mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges that closely adheres to the brain and spinal cord.

Gray Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord enriched with neuronal cell bodies.

White Matter

Regions dominated by myelinated axons in the brain and spinal cord.

Ventricles of the Brain

Cavities within the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem, responsible for a variety of functions.

Lacrimal Apparatus

The system that produces, distributes, and drains tears from the eye.

Rods

Photoreceptor cells in the retina that detect light intensity and allow for vision in low light.

Cones

Photoreceptor cells in the retina that detect color and are responsible for high acuity vision.