Nervous System Overview

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the nervous system as discussed in the lecture notes, organized by chapters.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits electrical signals.

Axon

The part of a neuron that sends an action potential.

Cell body

The integration center of a neuron.

Depolarization

The process of becoming less negative inside a neuron due to sodium influx.

Repolarization

The process of returning to a more negative internal state of a neuron, primarily through potassium efflux.

Resting membrane potential

The electrical potential of a neuron at rest, typically around -70 mV.

Threshold

The level of depolarization at which an action potential is triggered.

Myelin sheath

An insulating layer around some axons that increases the speed of electrical transmission.

Oligodendrocytes

Cells that produce myelin in the central nervous system.

Schwann cells

Cells that produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

Saltatory conduction

The process of jumping between nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons, speeding up transmission.

Peripheral nervous system

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.

Efferent

Motor pathway that carries signals away from the central nervous system.

Afferent

Sensory pathway that carries signals toward the central nervous system.

Autonomic nervous system

Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions.

Sympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system involved in fight or flight responses.

Parasympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest and digest functions.

Meninges

Layers of protective coverings on the brain and spinal cord.

Conus medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord.

Ganglia

A collection of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system.

Nuclei

A collection of nerve cell bodies in the central nervous system.

Cranial nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem.

Broca's area

The region of the brain responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's area

The region of the brain responsible for understanding spoken and written language.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease that affects the myelin sheath of nerves, leading to communication problems between the nervous system and the rest of the body.