Nervous System Study Guide

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; integrates and processes information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves and ganglia outside the CNS; connects the CNS to limbs and organs.

Neurons

Cells that transmit electrical impulses.

Neuroglia (Glial Cells)

Support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

CNS cells that form myelin sheaths around axons.

Astrocytes

CNS cells that maintain the blood-brain barrier and aid in repair.

Microglia

Immune cells in the CNS that consume pathogens.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and circulates nutrients.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A selective permeability barrier protecting the brain from harmful substances.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for motor control, decision-making, problem-solving, speech production, and emotions.

Parietal Lobe

Involved in sensory processing and spatial awareness.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information and is involved in memory and emotional responses.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual processing.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer gray matter layer involved in conscious thought, sensation, and voluntary movement.

Precentral Gyrus

Primary motor cortex responsible for voluntary motor control.

Postcentral Gyrus

Primary somatosensory cortex responsible for sensory processing.

Thalamus

Sensory relay center that directs sensory information to the appropriate brain regions.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis and oversees autonomic nervous and endocrine systems.

Cerebellum

Responsible for coordination and balance.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary responses and skeletal muscle movement.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary body functions; divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that control various functions including sensory and motor activities in the head and neck.

Sympathetic Division

Increases heart rate and respiratory rate; prepares the body for 'fight or flight'.

Parasympathetic Division

Decreases heart rate and promotes digestion; promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Neural Reflexes

Involuntary responses that can be somatic or autonomic.

Gray Matter

Contains neuron cell bodies and processes signals.

White Matter

Contains myelinated axons; responsible for communication pathways.

Neuroglia Functions

Support, nourish, and protect neurons, maintaining overall nervous system health.