Neuroanatomy and Physiology Review

These flashcards cover key concepts of neuroanatomy and physiology based on the lecture notes.

Neurons

Cells responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information in the nervous system.

Dendrites

Prolongations of the neuron that receive stimuli from other neurons or the environment.

Cell Body (Soma)

Integrates and processes received information, containing the nucleus where DNA is located.

Axon

Conducts nerve impulses away from the cell body; a single extension of the neuron.

Myelin Sheath

Protects the neuron and accelerates the transmission of nerve impulses, formed by Schwann cells in the PNS and oligodendrocytes in the CNS.

Axon Terminals

Release neurotransmitters and facilitate communication with other cells.

Synapse

The communication point between neurons, where neurotransmitters are released to activate another neuron.

Reflex Action

A rapid and involuntary response pathway that includes: stimulus, receptor, sensory neurons, spinal cord, motor neuron, response.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for command and processing; originated from the neural tube.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the body; contains nerves.

Autonomic Nervous System

Divided into sympathetic (action, fight or flight) and parasympathetic (relaxation, energy conservation) systems.

Cranial Nerves

12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brain.

Spinal Nerves

31 pairs of nerves that originate from the spinal cord.

Meninges

Protective layers surrounding the central nervous system.

Ectoderm

Embryonic layer that gives rise to the nervous system.

Neural Tube

Forms the brain and spinal cord during embryonic development.

Neural Crest

Part of the peripheral nervous system and pigment cells that arise from the ectoderm.