Neurology Flashcards
(380 cards)
Main types of cells in the nervous system?
Neurons: Functional units that transmit signals.Glial Cells: Support, protect, and nourish neurons.
Roles of neurons and glial cells?
Neurons: Transmit electrical signals for communication.Glial cells: Support, nourish, and protect neurons; maintain homeostasis.
Neurons and brain complexity?
Enable communication between different brain regions.Connections and synapses indicate brain complexity and functionality.
Significance of glial cells?
Support neurons structurally and functionally.Maintain brain health by regulating the environment.
Key components of a pyramidal neuron?
Cell body: Contains the nucleus.Axons: Transmit signals away from the cell body.Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons.Dendritic spines: Sites for synaptic connections.
Signal transmission in pyramidal neurons?
Electrical signals travel through dendrites to the cell body, then down the axon to communicate with other neurons.
Shape of pyramidal neuron?
Triangular shape, which facilitates connections with other neurons.
Distinct parts of a neuron?
Cell body: Contains the nucleus and organelles.Long axon: Conducts impulses away from the cell body.Dendrites: Branching structures that receive signals.
Role of dendritic spines?
Facilitate synaptic transmission and increase the surface area for connections.
Main components of the CNS?
Brain: Central organ of the nervous system.Spinal Cord: Transmits signals between the brain and body.
Main divisions of the Nervous System?
CNS: Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord).PNS: Peripheral Nervous System (nerves outside the CNS).
Role of the Cerebrum?
Largest part of the brain responsible for higher mental functions, sensory processing, and voluntary movement.Involved in reasoning, problem-solving, and emotions.
Components of the PNS?
Spinal nerves: Connect the spinal cord to the body.Cranial nerves: Connect the brain to the head and neck.Parasympathetic nerves: Regulate involuntary functions.
Cerebellum location?
Located below the cerebrum, at the back of the brain.
Dendritic spines and axon terminals?
Dendritic spines: Sites for synapse formation with axon terminals.
Main parts of the brainstem?
Midbrain: Involved in vision and hearing.Pons: Connects different parts of the brain.Medulla Oblongata: Controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.
Functions of the brainstem?
Regulates basic life functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.Coordinates reflexes and movement.
Brainstem connections?
Connects the cerebrum and cerebellum, facilitating communication between them.
Cranial nerves and brainstem?
12 pairs of cranial nerves emerge from the brainstem, supplying the head and neck.
Cranial vs spinal nerves?
Cranial: 12 pairs that emerge from the brain.Spinal: 31 pairs that emerge from the spinal cord.
Types of grey matter in the spinal cord?
Sensory grey matter: Located posteriorly, processes sensory information.Motor grey matter: Located anteriorly, controls motor functions.
Brainstem and movement coordination?
Essential for real-time corrections of movements and balance.
Spinal cord and sensory/motor info?
Ascending tracts: Carry sensory information to the brain.Descending tracts: Carry motor commands from the brain.
Spinal cord structure features?
White matter: Located outside, contains myelinated axons.Grey matter: Located inside, contains neuron cell bodies.