Nervous System

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to the nervous system as discussed in lecture notes.

Nervous System

A structure that enables organisms to react and respond to stimuli.

ANS

Autonomic Nervous System; regulates involuntary bodily functions.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System; composed of nerves and ganglia, connecting CNS to the rest of the body.

Neurons

Basic cellular units of the nervous system that transmit signals.

Glia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that perform various functions to nourish and protect neurons.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the 'fight-or-flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

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

Hippocampus

A brain region involved in learning and memory.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear liquid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and circulates nutrients.

Neural Plasticity

The ability of the brain or neurons to change and adapt in response to new situations.

Cerebral Cortex

Sensory, motor and cognitive functions

Lateralisation

Specialisation of functions in the left and right hemisphere

Enteric Division

Controls activity of digestive system, pancreas and gallbladder

Afferent neurons

Transmits info to CNS

Efferent

Transmits info away from CNS

gray matter

Neuron cell bodies, dendrites, unmelted axons

White matter

Consists of bundle of myelinated axons