Nervous System and Central Nervous System (CNS)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the Nervous System and Central Nervous System (CNS) as discussed in the lecture notes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, serving as the main control center for processing information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes all nerves outside the CNS, connecting it to the body.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A branch of the PNS that controls involuntary actions such as heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Division

Most active during stress or emergencies, triggering the ‘fight or flight’ response.

Parasympathetic Division

Dominates during rest, promoting digestion, energy storage, and relaxation, known as ‘rest and digest’.

Reflex

Involves a receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.

Withdrawal Reflex

A reflex that removes a body part from pain, such as pulling your hand from a hot object.

Knee Jerk Reflex

A simple stretch reflex that tests spinal cord integrity.

Cerebrum

The region of the brain responsible for handling thought and movement.

Diencephalon

Manages sensory and endocrine functions.

Brainstem

Controls vital life processes, including breathing and heart rate.

Cerebellum

Coordinates balance and posture.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Flows from the lateral ventricles to the third and fourth ventricles, cushioning and protecting the CNS.

Basal Nuclei

Clusters of gray matter that regulate motor control and habits.

Parkinson's Disease

A movement disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to tremors and slowed movement.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers in the nervous system; key neurotransmitters in the CNS include acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate.

CNS Receptors

Include glutamate (NMDA, AMPA), GABA (GABA-A/B), and dopamine (D1–D5).

Functional Regions of the Cerebral Cortex

Areas like motor, sensory, auditory, and visual cortices involved in processing different types of information.

Limbic System

Regulates emotions and memory.

Reticular Formation

Maintains consciousness and wakefulness.

Reward Center

Involves dopamine pathways that reinforce pleasurable behaviors.

Neurohormones

Hormones that affect various functions, such as bonding and stress response, including oxytocin and vasopressin.