BY 264 Spring 2025 Study Outline - Midterm Study Guide

This flashcard set includes vocabulary terms and definitions based on the BY 264 Spring 2025 lecture notes, focusing on key concepts related to the anatomy and functions of the nervous system, eyes, and laboratory equipment.

Compound Microscope

An optical instrument that uses a combination of lenses to magnify small objects.

Total Magnification

Calculated by multiplying the power of the ocular lens by the power of the objective lens.

Neuron

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; fundamental unit of the brain and nervous system.

Dendrite

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates the axon and increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

Oligodendrocytes

Types of glial cells in the central nervous system that wrap around axons to form the myelin sheath.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are generated.

Unipolar Neuron

A neuron with a single process extending from the cell body, typically found in sensory neurons.

Bipolar Neuron

A neuron with two processes (one axon and one dendrite), commonly found in sensory pathways.

Multipolar Neuron

A neuron with multiple processes, the most common type found in the nervous system.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that arise directly from the brain and primarily control sensory and motor functions.

Optic Nerve

The nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, characterized by a U shape.

Optic Chiasm

The X-shaped structure formed by the crossing of the optic nerves from both eyes.

EEG Equipment

Devices used to measure electrical activity in the brain, including the BIOPAC unit and electrodes.

Standard Deviation of Brain Waves

A statistical measure that describes the variation or dispersion of brain wave frequencies.

White Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord primarily composed of myelinated axons.

Gray Matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord composed largely of neuronal cell bodies.

Brachial Plexus

A network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord in the neck, supplying the arms.

Lumbar Plexus

A network of nerves in the lower back that supplies the lower abdomen and legs.

Sacral Plexus

A network of nerves emerging from the lower back and sacrum that innervates the pelvic region and legs.

Reflex Hammer

A medical instrument used to test reflexes by tapping on tendons.

Patellar Reflex

A knee-jerk reflex that occurs when the patellar tendon is tapped.

Astigmatism

A common vision condition caused by an irregular shape of the eye's cornea.

Otoscope

An instrument used to examine the ear for conditions like otitis media.