Functional Organization of Nervous Tissue

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to the functional organization of nervous tissue, including its main divisions, components, and functions, as outlined in Lecture 09.

Dendrite

Collects signals.

Sensory Function of Nervous System

Senses changes through sensory receptors.

Motor Function of Nervous System

Responds to stimuli.

Integrative Function of Nervous System

Analyzes incoming sensory information, stores aspects, and makes decisions regarding appropriate behaviors.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Composed of sensory receptors and nerves, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

Sensory Receptors

Endings of neurons or separate, specialized cells that detect things like temperature, pain, etc.

Nerve

A bundle of axons and their sheaths that connects the CNS to sensory receptors, muscles, and glands.

Cranial Nerves

12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brain.

Spinal Nerves

31 pairs of nerves that originate from the spinal cord.

Ganglion

A collection of neuron cell bodies located outside the CNS.

Plexus

An extensive network of axons, and sometimes neuron cell bodies, located outside the CNS.

Sensory (Afferent) Division of PNS

Transmits action potentials from receptors to the CNS.

Motor (Efferent) Division of PNS

Transmits action potentials from the CNS to effectors (muscles, glands).

General Senses

Sensory receptors found throughout the body.

Special Senses

Sensory receptors found in specific organs (e.g., vision).

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the motor division of the PNS that connects the CNS to skeletal muscles and is under voluntary control, using a single neuron system.

Synapse

The junction of a nerve cell with another cell.

Neuromuscular Junction

A specific type of synapse between a neuron and a skeletal muscle cell.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the motor division of the PNS that connects the CNS to smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and certain glands; operates under involuntary control using a two-neuron system.

Sympathetic Division (ANS)

Prepares the body for physical activity (fight-or-flight response).

Parasympathetic Division (ANS)

Regulates resting or vegetative functions such as digesting food (rest-and-digest response).

Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

Plexuses within the wall of the digestive tract that can control the digestive tract independently of the CNS.