MS LEC (MIDTERMS) part 1

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering neuroanatomy, structural and functional divisions of the nervous system, brain lobe functions, and glial cells.

Nervous System

The master controlling and communicating system of the body that uses rapid and specific electrical impulses to cause almost immediate responses.

Stimuli

Changes occurring both inside and outside the body that are detected by sensory receptors.

Sensory Input

The gathered information collected by sensory receptors monitoring changes inside and outside the body.

Integration

The process where the nervous system processes and interprets sensory input to decide what should be done at each moment.

Motor Output

The response effected by activating muscles or glands (effectors) via the nervous system.

Homeostasis (Nervous System)

The maintenance of a constant internal environment by detecting, interpreting, and responding to internal and external condition changes, as well as stimulating or inhibiting other systems.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The structural subdivision consisting of the brain and spinal cord, occupying the dorsal body cavity, and serving as the integrating and command centers of the nervous system.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The structural subdivision consisting of all neural tissue and nerves extending outside the central nervous system.

Frontal Lobe

The lobe of the brain associated with consciousness.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe of the brain associated with movement and stimulus perception.

Temporal Lobe

The lobe of the brain associated with speech recognition.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe of the brain associated with vision.

Cerebellum

The structure of the brain responsible for movement coordination.

Brain Stem

The brain structure comprising the midbrain, pons, and medulla that controls basic, vital functions such as breathing.

Sensory Division (Afferent Division)

The functional division of the PNS consisting of nerves that convey impulses to the central nervous system from sensory receptors.

Somatic Sensory Fibers

Sensory nerve fibers delivering impulses to the CNS from the skin, skeletal muscles, and joints.

Visceral Sensory Fibers

Sensory nerve fibers transmitting impulses to the CNS from the visceral organs.

Motor Division (Efferent Division)

The functional division of the PNS that carries impulses from the CNS to effector organs, such as muscles and glands.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

A subdivision of the motor division that allows conscious, voluntary control of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A subdivision of the motor division, also called the involuntary nervous system, that provides automatic regulation of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands, and adipose tissue.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system commonly responsible for fight or flight responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system commonly responsible for rest and digest functions.

Receptors

Sensory structures that detect changes in the internal or external environment.

Effectors

Target organs (such as muscles or glands) whose activities change in response to neural commands.

Somatic Sensory Receptors

Sensory receptors that provide position, touch, pressure, pain, and temperature sensations.

Visceral Sensory Receptors

Sensory receptors that monitor internal organs.

Special Sensory Receptors

Sensory receptors that provide specialized sensations of taste, vision, balance, and hearing.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells in the CNS (literally 'nerve glue') that generally support, insulate, and protect delicate neurons.

Astrocytes

Abundant, star-shaped glial cells that account for nearly half of neural tissue, forming a living barrier between capillaries and neurons to protect them from harmful blood substances.

Microglia

Spiderlike phagocytic glial cells that dispose of debris, including dead brain cells and bacteria.

Ependymal Cells

Glial cells lining the central cavities of the brain and spinal cord whose beating cilia help circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the CNS that wrap flat extensions tightly around nerve fibers to form fatty insulating coverings called myelin sheaths.

Schwann Cells

Supporting cells that form myelin sheaths around nerve fibers found in the PNS.

Satellite Cells

Supporting cells in the PNS that act as protective, cushioning cells.

Dendrites

Neuronal processes that receive messages from other cells.

Axon

The neuronal extension that passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty covering over the axon of some neurons that helps speed neural impulses.

Node of Ranvier

Gaps along the myelinated axon of a neuron.

Axon Terminal

The terminal end of an axon (also called terminal buttons) that forms junctions with other cells.

Action Potential

An electrical signal traveling down the axon of a neuron.