Lecture #12: Nervous System Organization

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the organization and function of the nervous system, essential for understanding the material presented in lecture.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside the CNS.

Neural Circuit

Groups of interconnected neurons that process specific types of information.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

A selective barrier that prevents certain substances in the blood from entering the brain.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, also involved in waste removal.

Reflex Arc

The simplest neural circuit that underlies reflex actions.

Topographic Mapping

The organization of brain areas that corresponds to specific body regions or functions.

Divergence

When one neuron sends output to multiple neurons, which allows information to spread.

Convergence

When multiple neurons send input to a single neuron.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience.

Efferent Pathways

Pathways that carry signals away from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Afferent Pathways

Pathways that carry signals towards the CNS from sensory organs.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.

Motor Neuron

A neuron that transmits signals to muscles to elicit movement.

Sensory Neuron

A neuron that carries signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.

Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support and protect neurons.

Lateralization

The specialization of certain functions in one hemisphere of the brain over the other.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted from one to another.

Inhibitory Synapse

A synapse that decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

Excitatory Synapse

A synapse that increases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

Somatosensory Cortex

The area of the brain that processes sensory input from the body.

Primary Motor Cortex (M1)

The region of the brain responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.