Central Nervous System

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and components of the Central Nervous System, including its organization, functions, types of neurons, protection mechanisms, glial cell roles, and brain structure.

What are the components of the central nervous system (CNS)?

The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord.

What makes up the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The PNS is composed of all the nerves outside the CNS, including sensory and motor neurons.

What does the flow of information look like in the nervous system?

Information flows from sensory receptors to the CNS for processing and then to effector organs via the PNS.

What are the three types of neurons and where are their cell bodies and axons located?

Afferent neurons have cell bodies in the PNS, interneurons are located in the CNS, and efferent neurons have cell bodies in the CNS.

How is the central nervous system protected?

The CNS is protected by the skull (for the brain), vertebrae (for the spinal cord), and the meninges.

What is the blood brain barrier (BBB) and how is it formed?

The BBB is a selective permeability barrier formed by tight junctions between endothelial cells in brain capillaries, protecting the brain from harmful substances.

What is the main job of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells?

Their main job is to form the myelin sheath around central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) neurons, respectively.

What is the main job of astrocytes?

Astrocytes support and maintain the environment around neurons, regulate blood flow, and contribute to the blood brain barrier.

What is the main job of microglia?

Microglia act as the immune cells of the CNS, cleaning up debris and providing immune defense.

What is the main job of ependymal cells?

Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What is the difference between white matter and gray matter?

White matter consists of myelinated axons, while gray matter contains neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and unmyelinated axons.

What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?

The four lobes are the frontal lobe (motor control, reasoning), parietal lobe (sensory processing), temporal lobe (auditory processing, memory), and occipital lobe (visual processing).