Nervous System Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are the two main parts of the nervous system?
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
What does the CNS include?
The brain and spinal cord.
What does the PNS include?
All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
What is the function of afferent neurons?
They carry sensory signals to the brain.
What is the function of efferent neurons?
They carry signals from the brain to the body (motor response).
What do interneurons do?
Connect sensory and motor neurons and help process information in the brain and spinal cord.
What are neuroglia?
Support cells that protect and nourish neurons but don’t send signals.
What are the three main parts of a neuron?
Dendrites, cell body, and axon.
What is the function of Schwann cells?
They produce myelin to help nerve impulses travel faster.
What is a synapse?
The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters pass the signal.
What does the cerebrum control?
Thinking, memory, voluntary movements, and senses.
What does the brainstem control?
Involuntary functions like breathing and heartbeat.
What does the cerebellum control?
Balance and coordination.
What is CSF (cerebrospinal fluid)?
Fluid that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord.
What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
It controls ‘fight or flight’ responses (raises heart rate, etc.).
What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
It controls ‘rest and digest’ functions (slows heart rate, etc.).
What does an EEG test for?
Brain wave activity, usually for seizures or epilepsy.
What does an MRI show?
Soft tissues like the brain and spinal cord.
What does a CT scan help detect?
Injuries, bleeding, or tumors in the brain.
What is a spinal tap used for?
To test cerebrospinal fluid for infections or bleeding.
How is a cranial nerve test done?
By checking things like smell, facial movements, hearing, and tongue motion.
