Nervous System Organization & Cells

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions related to the organization and function of the nervous system.

Nervous System Functions

Organized to detect changes, evaluate information, and initiate responses.

CNS

Central Nervous System, consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for integrating sensory information and initiating responses.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System, consisting of nerves in outer regions including cranial and spinal nerves.

Afferent Division

All incoming sensory pathways in the nervous system.

Efferent Division

All outgoing motor pathways in the nervous system.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements by carrying motor information to skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Regulates involuntary functions such as smooth and cardiac muscle contraction, and glandular secretion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the ANS responsible for 'rest and repair' functions.

Neuroglial Cells

Supporting cells in the CNS that help maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that connect neurons to blood vessels and help form the blood-brain barrier.

Microglia

Small, stationary glial cells that increase in size and mobility during inflammation and perform phagocytosis.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce the myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the CNS.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells in the PNS that form the myelin sheath around nerve fibers.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls reflex actions; typically involves sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons.

Endoneurium

Connective tissue that surrounds each nerve fiber in a nerve.

Epineurium

Outer layer of connective tissue surrounding multiple fascicles and blood vessels in a nerve.

Axon

The part of a neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals and conduct nerve impulses toward the cell body.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

A selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances.

Neurofibromatosis

A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of noncancerous tumors in the nervous system.

Glioblastoma Multiforme

A highly malignant brain tumor that spreads in white matter, often with a poor prognosis.

Astrocytoma

A slow-growing tumor of the CNS, usually appearing in adulthood.