Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the nervous system and its functions.

Nervous System

Master control system of the body that gathers sensory input, integrates it, and generates motor output.

CNS

Central Nervous System; includes the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System; comprises all the nerves that branch from the brain and spinal cord.

Neurons

Excitable cells that transmit electrical signals in the nervous system.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells in the nervous system that assist and protect neurons.

Motor output

Response to stimuli by activating effector organs.

Sensory input

Gathering input from stimuli to assess the environment.

Integration

The process of interpreting and processing sensory input.

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Astrocytes

Most abundant glial cells that support and brace neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that form the myelin sheath in the CNS.

Schwann cells

Glial cells that form the myelin sheath in the PNS.

Synapse

Junction between neurons, where communication occurs.

Excitatory neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that promote depolarization of the postsynaptic neuron.

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that cause hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic neuron.