Organization of the Nervous System and Neuron Structure

Flashcards covering the organization of the nervous system and neuron structure, including key terms and definitions.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Subdivision of the nervous system composed of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nervous system subdivision that is composed of cranial and spinal nerves and ganglia.

Somatic Nervous System

Subdivision of the PNS that controls voluntary activities, such as the activation of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Subdivision of the PNS that regulates the activity of the heart and smooth muscle, and of glands; also known as the involuntary nervous system.

Neurons

Cells that demonstrate irritability and conductivity, transmitting electrical messages throughout the body.

Neuroglia

Support, insulate, and protect cells in the nervous system, able to divide and responsible for most brain neoplasms.

Axon

Generally conducts impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrite

Conducts local electrical currents toward the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

Increases the speed of impulse transmission.

Neuron Cell Body

Location of the nucleus within a neuron.

Nissl Bodies

Clustered ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum found in neurons.

Axon Terminal

The part of the neuron that releases neurotransmitters.