Nervous System and Endocrinology Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the nervous system and the endocrine system, based on the provided lecture notes.

Anterior Pituitary

The front part of the pituitary gland that produces hormones which regulate various bodily functions.

Posterior Pituitary

The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)

The first cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic Nerve (Cranial Nerve II)

The second cranial nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.

Hormones from the Anterior Pituitary

Includes ACTH, TSH, LH, FSH, PRL, and GH, which affect various bodily functions.

Neurons

Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses, essential for the functioning of the nervous system.

Capillary Bed

A network of capillaries where exchange of substances occurs between blood and tissues.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary that regulates water balance.

Homeostasis

The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells that form myelin sheaths around peripheral nerves, aiding in faster signal transmission.

Neuron Structure

The basic unit of the nervous system comprising a cell body, dendrites, and an axon.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for complex functions such as thought, perception, and language.