Intro to NS but better Flashcards
(120 cards)
What does the NS do?
responds to stimuli
transmits impulses
controls every function in the human body
What are the basic functional units of the NS?
neurons
What does the NS tissue consist of?
neurons (signaling)
glial cell (support)
What is the function of a neuron?
respond to stimuli, convey signals, process info
Awareness of self and surrounding, memory, learning, speech, regulation of muscle contraction and gland secretion
Describe the 3 parts of a neuron?
dendrite- receives and transmits impulses to cell body
cell body- receives impulses from dendrties
axon- transmits impulses away from cell body
Describe the neuronal cell body? What do they contain?
part of neuron that contains nucleus
Maintains neurons integrity
What 2 special organelles are contained in the cytoplasm of a neuron?
nissl bodies- ER, in cytoplasm except where axon emerges, produce proteins
neurofibrils- arranged longitudinally, involved in transport
What part of the neuron can have variable length?
axon
Describe unipolar neurons. Where can they be found?
axon is a single protoplasmic process
mainly in spinal nerves, come cranial nerves
cell bodies in ganglia
Describe bipolar neurons. What pathways is it involved in?
axon and 1 dendrite
visual, auditory, and vestibular pathways
Describe multipolar cells. Where can they be found?
axon and multiple dendrites
everywhere else in NS
What are synapses? What do they rely on?
Junction between axonal ending and a muscle cell, gland, or other neuron.
relies on polarization (always travels away from axon)
What are neurotransmitters? What is their function/effect?
manufactured and released by neurons
released into synaptic cleft to affect postsynaptic neurons, muscle or gland cell
excitatory or inhibitory
Describe the excitatory synapses on neurons.
enhances the production of the impulse
Describe the inhibitory synapses on neurons.
hinders production of the impulse
What types of synapses are excitatory synapses involved in?
neuromuscular
neuro-glandular
neuronal
What types of synapses are inhibitory synapses involved in?
neuronal
What is axoplasmic transport? What are its 2 components?
bidirectional movement within the neurons towards and away from the cell body
Anterograde and retrograde
Describe anterograde axoplasmic transport.
cell body nutrients are carried in a forward direction from the cell body to the termination of the axon
away from CB
Describe retrograde axoplasmic transport.
occurs from the distal end of the axon back to the cell body
enable return of used or worn out materials for restoration or degradation
towards cell body
What is the clinical significance of retrograde axonal transport?
it is the route by which toxins and viruses are transported into the CNS from the PNS
Describe the axoplasmic transport mechanism involved in rabies.
virus enter bloodstream
travels into muscles then nerves where it hijacks the retrograde axonal transport system and travels from PNS to CNS
Muscle, nerve, spine, brain
What is the support tissue (macroglia or glia) of the CNS?
astrocytes
oligodendrocytes
What is the support tissue (macroglia or glia) of the PNS?
schwann cells
capsular cells