Chapter 10.1-10.3

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the structure and function of the nervous system.

Nervous System

The master regulatory system of the body responsible for sending and receiving information.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes cranial and spinal nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

Sensory Division

Part of the PNS that carries signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.

Motor Division

Part of the PNS that conveys signals from the CNS to effectors (muscles or glands).

Neurons

Cells responsible for communication in the nervous system through nerve impulses.

Dendrites

Highly branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long extension of a neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body.

Myelin

A fatty insulating sheath that wraps around axons to speed up signal transmission.

Oligodendrocytes

CNS cells that produce and maintain myelin sheaths around axons.

Schwann Cells

PNS cells that produce myelin for peripheral axons.

Action Potential

A rapid and temporary change in the membrane potential of a neuron, enabling electrical communication.

Resting Membrane Potential

The electrical charge difference across a neuron's plasma membrane at rest, typically -70 mV.

Refractory Period

A period during which a neuron is unable to respond to another stimulus after firing.

Saltatory Conduction

The process by which myelinated axons conduct impulses more rapidly by allowing action potentials to 'jump' between Nodes of Ranvier.

Neuroglia

Support cells in the nervous system that play various roles in maintaining homeostasis and supporting neurons.

Astrocytes

CNS neuroglia that provide support and nutrients to neurons and help form the blood-brain barrier.

Microglia

Immune cells of the CNS that proliferate in response to injury.

Ependymal Cells

Ciliated cells that line the ventricles of the brain and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Sensory Neurons

Afferent neurons that carry signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.

Motor Neurons

Efferent neurons that carry signals from the CNS to effectors.