Nervous System Organization & Cells

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary associated with the structure and function of the nervous system, its subdivisions, cell types, and repair processes.

Nervous System

The body's system that detects changes, evaluates information, and initiates responses.

CNS

Central Nervous System; consists of the brain and spinal cord, integrating sensory information and initiating responses.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System; includes nerves outside the CNS such as cranial and spinal nerves.

Afferent Division

Part of the nervous system that carries incoming sensory information to the CNS.

Efferent Division

Part of the nervous system that carries outgoing motor information from the CNS to effectors.

Somatic Nervous System

A component of the PNS that controls voluntary movements by supplying skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A component of the PNS that controls involuntary functions; divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the ANS responsible for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the ANS that promotes 'rest and repair' functions.

Neuroglial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that aid neuron function; include astrocytes, microglia, ependymal cells, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, and satellite cells.

Astrocytes

Glial cells that support neurons, transfer nutrients, and form the blood-brain barrier.

Microglia

Small glial cells that act as the immune defense in the CNS, performing phagocytosis.

Ependymal Cells

Glial cells that line the fluid-filled cavities in the CNS and help circulate cerebrospinal fluid.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce myelin sheaths in the CNS and support nerve fibers.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells in the PNS that support nerve fibers and form myelin sheaths.

Dendrites

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

Axon

A long, thin structure that conducts nerve impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from potentially harmful substances.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action, typically consisting of a sensory receptor, afferent neuron, interneuron, efferent neuron, and effector.

Nerves

Bundles of nerve fibers in the PNS composed of sensory and motor neuron fibers.

Tracts

Bundles of nerve fibers in the CNS that do not have connective tissue coverings.

Repair of Nerve Fibers

The process by which damaged peripheral nerves can regenerate under certain conditions.

Neuroma

Tumors in the nervous system, commonly involving glia, such as gliomas.

Astrocytoma

A slow-growing tumor originating from astrocytes, often occurring in adults.

Glioblastoma Multiforme

Highly malignant brain tumor that spreads rapidly, often resulting in poor prognosis.