The Nervous System Flashcards
(33 cards)
Functions of the nervous system
To transmit info from one part of the body to another and coordinates and controls body functions
Divisions of the nervous system
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
Central N.S
the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral N.S
Nerves that extend to the parts of the body
Cells of the nervous systems
Neurons and glia
Types of neurons
Sensory, motor, and inter neurons
Sensory neurons
(Afferent) transmit impulses toward the spinal cord and brain
Motor neurons
(Efferent) transmit impulses toward the body
Inter neurons
Directly connect sensory and motor neurons in the spinal
The synapse
Tiny space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of another
Dendrites
Receive impulses (tree like)
Axon
Send impulses away (covered in myelin)
Myelin
Fatty substance covering Schwann cells (like the rubber on the wire)
Nodes of Ranvier
The stuff between the Schwann cells
Dopamine
Stuff that create neurotransmitters
Endorphin
Block the impulse
Neurotransmitters
Chemical “bridges”, flood the space (are released by pre-synaptic neuron)
Brain stem
Controls vital functions
- heartbeat
- breathing
- blood pressure
Brain stem has three parts
Medulla oblongata
Pons
Midbrain
Diencephalon
Interior center of the brain
Hypothalamus
Controls: -body temp
- sleep cycle
- appetite
- sexual arousal
Thalamus
- Relays sensory impulses to the appropriate part of the brain
- associates sensations with emotions
Cerebellum
Controls coordination of movement, balance, and equilibrium
Cerebrum
Largest upper most part of the brain
- thinking part
- perception
- emotions
- memory