The Nervous System

These flashcards cover key concepts about the nervous system, including its structure, functions, and various components.

What is the primary function of the nervous system?

It acts as the control and communication center of the body.

What do sensory receptors do?

They monitor changes both inside and outside the body.

What is sensory input?

The summation of gathered information by the nervous system.

Define integration in the context of the nervous system.

It is the process of the body deciding what to do with sensory information.

What is motor output?

The response determined by the nervous system.

What are the two classifications of the nervous system?

Structural and functional.

What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?

The brain and spinal cord.

What does the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) include?

Nerves that extend from the CNS.

What are the subdivisions of the PNS?

Sensory (afferent) and Motor (efferent) divisions.

What is the role of astrocytes?

They support neurons and help form barriers between capillaries and neurons.

What function do microglia serve?

They dispose of debris and dead cells in the brain.

What is the function of ependymal cells?

They line the central cavity of the brain and spinal cord and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What do oligodendrocytes produce?

Myelin sheaths around nerve fibers in the CNS.

What is a reflex arc?

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

Name the elements of a reflex arc.

Sensory receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, and effector organ.

What is the role of neurotransmitters at synapses?

They transmit signals across the synaptic cleft to excite adjacent neurons.

Describe the blood-brain barrier.

It is a selective barrier that limits the passage of substances from the bloodstream to the brain.

What does the autonomic nervous system regulate?

It controls involuntary body activities such as heart rate and digestion.

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

In what scenario is the sympathetic division most active?

During times of stress, known as the fight or flight response.

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic division?

It promotes the rest and digest functions of the body.

What is the role of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

It cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Where is myelin sheath formed in the PNS?

By Schwann cells.

What is the function of the dura mater?

It is the tough, outermost layer of the meninges that protects the CNS.

What comprises gray matter in the spinal cord?

Interneurons and cell bodies.

What is significant about myelinated fibers?

They increase the transmission speed of nerve impulses.

What are cranial nerves primarily responsible for?

Serving the head and neck.

What is the role of spinal nerves?

They carry both sensory and motor impulses.

What is the function of the reticular formation?

It maintains alertness and filters sensory inputs.

What are the main functions of the cerebellum?

Coordinating voluntary movements and maintaining balance.