Lecture on Glial Cells and Sensory Structures

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to glial cells, sensory structures, and their functions.

Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support and protect neurons.

Myelinated vs Unmyelinated Axons

Myelinated axons have a protective myelin sheath which increases transmission speed, while unmyelinated axons do not.

Ganglia

Clusters of nerve cell bodies located in the peripheral nervous system.

Medulla Oblongata

A part of the brainstem that controls autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Dura Mater

The tough outermost membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Pia Mater

The delicate innermost layer of the meninges that covers the brain and spinal cord.

Fissures and Gyri

Fissures are deep grooves in the surface of the brain, while gyri are the raised folds between them.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with 'rest and digest' functions.

Special Senses

Senses that have specialized organs, such as sight, hearing, taste, smell, and balance.

General Senses

Senses that detect stimuli from the environment, such as touch, temperature, and pain.

Sensory Adaptation

The process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli over time.

Receptor Types

Different types of sensory receptors include chemoreceptors, photoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and nociceptors.

Taste Sensations

There are five basic taste sensations: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

Eye Structure

The eye consists of components like the cornea, lens, retina, and is responsible for vision.

Rods and Cones

Rods are photoreceptors responsible for vision in low light, while cones are responsible for color vision and detail.

Cataracts

A condition where the lens becomes cloudy, affecting vision.

Glaucoma

A condition that damages the optic nerve often due to increased intraocular pressure.

Ear Structures

Components of the ear include the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, each with specific functions in hearing.

Vestibular Apparatus

The structure in the inner ear that helps maintain balance.