Nervous System and Sensory Pathways

Flashcards covering key concepts in nervous system anatomy and physiology, including processes of bone formation, neuron types, nervous system distinctions, brain structures, and sensory pathways.

Intramembranous Ossification

A process of bone formation where mesenchymal cells differentiate directly into osteoblasts, occurring in flat bones like the skull and clavicle without a cartilage intermediate.

Endochondral Ossification

A process of bone formation where a hyaline cartilage model is replaced by bone, occurring in long bones such as the femur and humerus.

Multipolar Neuron

A type of neuron with many dendrites and one axon, commonly found in motor functions.

Bipolar Neuron

A type of neuron with one dendrite and one axon, primarily found in the retina.

Unipolar (Pseudounipolar) Neuron

A type of neuron having one process that splits into an axon and dendrite, often found in sensory pathways.

CNS

Central Nervous System, which consists of the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System, which includes cranial and spinal nerves, as well as ganglia.

Astrocytes

Neuroglial cells in the CNS that help form the blood-brain barrier and provide support.

Oligodendrocytes

CNS cells responsible for the myelination of axons.

Microglia

Immune defense cells in the CNS.

Ependymal Cells

Cells that line the ventricles of the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Schwann Cells

PNS cells that myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system.

Satellite Cells

Cells that surround neuron cell bodies in ganglia in the PNS.

Cranial Meninges

Three protective layers around the brain: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Dura Mater

The tough outer layer of the cranial meninges.

Arachnoid Mater

The web-like middle layer of the cranial meninges.

Pia Mater

The delicate inner layer of the cranial meninges, closely adhering to the surface of the brain.

Cerebrum

The part of the brain responsible for thought, memory, and voluntary movement.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that coordinates movement and balance.

Thalamus

A relay station in the diencephalon that processes sensory information.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain responsible for homeostasis and hormone control.

Growth Hormone (GH)

A hormone produced by somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary that stimulates growth.

Prolactin (PRL)

A hormone produced by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary that stimulates milk production.

Corticotropin (ACTH)

A hormone produced by corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

A hormone produced by thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary that stimulates the thyroid gland.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormones produced by gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary that regulate gonadal function.

Olfactory Nerve (I)

Cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic Nerve (II)

Cranial nerve responsible for vision.

Facial Nerve (VII)

Cranial nerve involved in taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (VIII)

Cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Gustatory Pathway

The pathway for taste information from the tongue to the gustatory cortex.

Auditory Pathway

The pathway for sound information from hair cells in the Organ of Corti to the auditory cortex.

Vestibular Complex

An anatomy structure that detects head movement and balance.

Ventricular System

A network of cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that helps cushion the brain.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord, produced by ependymal cells.

Light Pathway through the Eye

The route light takes through the eye, involving the cornea, lens, and retina before reaching the visual cortex.

Sound Wave Pathway in the Ear

The pathway sound waves take through the ear anatomy before reaching the auditory cortex.