Chapter 11: Neural Function Flashcards
(19 cards)
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The nerves make up the peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord
Meninges:
A set of three tough membranes that encase the CNS
What are the three meninges?
- Dura Mater- the outer and toughest layer
- Arachnoid layer- the middle layer named for its spiderweb-like vascular system
- Pia mater- the innermost layer that rests directly on the brain and spinal cord
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
A plasma like fluid that fills the space between the arachnoid and pia mater layers to provide additional cushion and support for the CNS
Choroid plexus cells- what is their function
Continuously produce the CSF
Ventricles
Interconnected hollow areas of the brain where CSF fills and flows freely between them (excess CSF drains into the bloodstream)
Neuroglia cells
Scaffold neural tissue as well as isolate and protect cell membranes; regulate interstitial fluid, defend the neuron against pathogens, and assist with neural repair
Neurons
The fundamental unit of the nervous system that generate bio electrical impulses and transmit them from one area of the body to another
Axons
Transmit impulses away from the cell body
Dendrites
Transmit impulses toward the cell body
Myelin sheath
Increases the rate of impulse transmission approximately 400 times faster than unmyelinated nerves
Schwann cells
Produce the myelin sheath
White matter
Bundles of myelinated nerves
Synapse
A gap between neurons
What is the synapse composed of?
Presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and a post-synaptic cell membrane
Action potential
Small ionic changes such as potassium and sodium moving across cell membranes that generate neural impulses
Resting potential
(The plasma of the neuron membrane has) a slight charge at rest
Depolarization
The rapid inflow of positively charged sodium ions
