Chapter 7 - The Nervous System Flashcards
What is the main cell and structural and functional unit of the nervous system?
neuron
What are the TWO main divisions the nervous system is divided into?
Describe what is contained within these divisions
Which of these divisions contains further subdivisions?
- Central Nervous System (CNS): brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): cranial nerves and spinal nerves
We know the two main divisions of the nervous system are the CNS and the PNS.
The PNS can be divided into further subdivisions. Name them and describe their functions.
- Somatic Nervous System (SNS): voluntary control of body function via skeletal muscle
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): involunatry control of body function + regulate glands (cardiac muscle + smooth muscle) -> has 2 divisions sympathetic NS vs parasympathetic NS
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) can be divided into two divisions known as the __________ __________ ________ vs. ___________ _________ ___________
sympathetic nervous system (SANS)
parasympathetic nervous system (PANS)
Neurons are also known as ________ cells
nerve
What cells make up the nervous system tissue?
neurons
neuroglia
What is the overall function of neurons?
conduct electrochemical impulses
usually cannot divide
What is the function of neuroglia?
supporting/helper cells that assist in the function of neurons
cannot conduct impulses, but can divide
We know that neuroglia assists in the function of neurons. How do they do this? Be specific
- make myelin (fatty substance/phospholipids that wraps around axon)
- release nutrients for neurons
- involved in immune response
Neuroglia are _________ common than neurons; ___:____ - _____:____
more
5:1 - 10:1
Which cells are examples of neuroglia? Name their function
If possible, name which division of the NS they are involved in
SOMA (COPS)
- Schwann cells: myelination of axon in PNS
- Oligodendrocytes: myelination of axon in CNS
- Microglia: engulf things and clear debris in NS
- Astrocytes: provide barrier between nervous tissue + blood
What does the term “electrochemical” impulse mean/refer to?
- “electro” charge because of ion movement across the cell membrane
- “chemical” refers to the neurotransmitters release
- flow of charges across the membrane leads to the release of a neurotransmitter
What is myelin?
Which neuroglial cell makes myelin?
fatty substance that wraps around an axon
Schwann cells
Oligodendrocytes
Generally describe the way in which the nervous system works.
- Receive a stimulus (information)
- Transmits information to the integration center (CNS)
- CNS processes/integrates information
- CNS transmits information to effectors (muscles and glands)
Neurons use ____________ signals to ________/_______ information
electrochemical
transmit/process
In which ways do neurons use electrochemical signals to transmit/process information?
- electrical signals (impulse): action potentials (AP); involved charges (ions)
- chemical messengers: neurotransmitters (NT)
AP must be conducted to release NT
Name the different parts to a neuron and describe their function
- Dendrites: branched cellular extentions; information recieving end of neuron
- Soma (Cell body): contain nucleus
- Axon Hillock: generate impulse (AP)
- Axon: Sends information out
- Axon terminal: release chemical messengers (NT); NT can be excitatory or inhibitory
An action potential travels along the _______
axon
Neurons can be classified based on their ________ or _________ _____ _________
function
mode of transmission
Classify the neurons based on their function
Describe their function
sensory neurons (afferent neurons): transmit information INTO the CNS from the environment
interneuron: found in integrating center/CNS
motor neurons (efferent neurons): transmit information OUT of CNS to effectors
Sensory neurons are also known as ________ neurons
afferent
Motor neurons are also known as _______ neurons
efferent
Classify the neurons based on their mode of transmission
Describe their function
excitatory neurons: stimulates target cell -> release excitatory NT
inhibitory neurons: inhibit target cell -> release inhibitory NT
Define a neurotransmitter (NT), and where are they released from?
- chemical messengers
- released from axon terminals (from excitatory/inhibitory neurons)