bio252/6/test

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord; processes and interprets sensory input and sends commands.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary skeletal muscle movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions (smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, glands).

Meninges

Three protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

The tough outer protective layer of the meninges.

Arachnoid Mater

The middle protective layer of the meninges that is web-like.

Pia Mater

The delicate inner layer of the meninges that adheres to the brain and spinal cord.

Dorsal Root

Contains sensory neurons entering the spinal cord.

Ventral Root

Contains motor neurons exiting the spinal cord.

Spinal Nerve

Merging of dorsal and ventral roots, carrying sensory and motor signals.

White Matter

Myelinated axons that transmit information.

Gray Matter

Neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons involved in processing and regulation.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic system associated with 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic system associated with 'rest and digest' functions.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for reasoning, problem-solving, and emotions.

Parietal Lobe

Responsible for sensory processing (touch, temperature, pain).

Temporal Lobe

Responsible for auditory processing, memory, and language.

Occipital Lobe

Responsible for visual processing.

Cerebellum

Coordinates muscle movements, posture, and balance.

Brainstem

Includes midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; regulates essential functions.

Olfactory Nerve (CN I)

Responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic Nerve (CN II)

Responsible for vision.

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

Controls autonomic functions of the heart, lungs, and digestion.

Mechanoreceptors

Detect pressure, touch, and vibration.

Nociceptors

Detect pain or harmful stimuli.

Photoreceptors

Detect light (e.g., rods and cones in retina).

Gustatory Pathway

Pathway for taste perception through cranial nerves (Facial, Glossopharyngeal, Vagus).

Multipolar Neurons

Neurons with many processes; most common type in the CNS.

Oligodendrocytes

Neuroglial cells that produce myelin in the CNS.

Schwann Cells

Neuroglial cells that produce myelin in the PNS.

Synapse

The junction between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, anxiety, and happiness.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter used in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Neuroglial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that do not conduct impulses.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that carry signals to and from the brain.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized cells that detect stimuli from the environment.

Baroreceptors

Detect pressure changes in blood vessels and organs.

Proprioceptors

Detect body position and movement.

Thermoreceptors

Detect changes in temperature.