Concise Neurology Study Guide Flashcards

Flashcards based on neurology lecture notes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The main office of the nervous system, including the brain (supercomputer) and spinal cord (main cable).

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All the nerves (cables) going out to every part of the body from the CNS.

Afferent Messages

Information coming to the CNS (e.g., 'Ouch, that's hot!'). 'A' for Arriving.

Efferent Messages

Instructions going from the CNS (e.g., 'Move your hand!'). 'E' for Exiting.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements (e.g., waving).

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls automatic functions (e.g., heartbeat, digestion).

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system; the 'Fight or Flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system; the 'Rest and Digest' response.

Neurons

Nerve cells that are the messengers; they send electrical signals super fast.

Neuroglia (Glial Cells)

Support cells for neurons; they provide food, protection, and support.

Cell Body (Soma)

The neuron's main office.

Dendrites

Branches of a neuron that receive messages (like ears).

Axon

A long cable that sends messages out from a neuron (like a mouth).

Myelin Sheath

Fatty insulation on axons that make messages go WAY faster via saltatory conduction.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that bring information to the CNS from the senses.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry instructions from the CNS to muscles.

Interneurons

Connectors within the CNS.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells in the CNS that do many support jobs and help form the blood-brain barrier.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells in the CNS that make myelin.

Microglia

Tiny glial cells in the CNS that clean up waste.

Ependymal Cells

Glial cells in the CNS that line fluid-filled spaces and help CSF (brain fluid) move.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells in the PNS that make myelin.

Satellite Cells

Glial cells in the PNS that support neuron cell bodies.

Wallerian Degeneration

The breakdown of an axon after it is cut.

Synapse

A tiny gap between neurons where message jumps using neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit messages across a synapse.

Cerebrum

The biggest part of the brain, responsible for thinking, personality, senses, and voluntary movement.

Cortex (Gray Matter)

The wrinkly outer layer of the cerebrum, responsible for complex functions.

Cerebellum

The 'Little Brain' that coordinates movement, balance, and posture.

Meninges

The three layers of wrapping that protect the brain and spinal cord: Dura, Arachnoid, and Pia mater.