The Nervous System Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the sensory function of the nervous system?
Sensory receptors detect internal or external stimuli then carried into the brain and spinal
What is the integrative function of the nervous system?
The system processing and analysing information and making decisions
What is the motor function of the nervous system?
Elicit motor responses by activating effectors (muscles and glands)
What are the 2 types of cells in the nervous system?
- Neuroglia (glial cells)
- Neurons
Which neuroglia cells are found in the CNS?
- Oligodendrocytes
- Astrocytes
- Microglia
- Ependymal cells
Which neuroglia cells are found in the PNS?
- Satellite cells
- Schwann cells
What are the 3 main parts of a neuron?
- Cell body
- Dendrites
- Axon
How are neurons classified structurally?
Classified according to the number of processes extending from the cell body
- Bipolar
- Unipolar
- Multipolar
How are neurons classified functionally?
Classified according to which direction the nerve impulse is conveyed with respect to CNS
- Sensory/ afferent
- Motor/ efferent
- Interneurons
What is a myelin sheath?
Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes wrap around the axons of most neurons
What do myelinated nerves do?
Transmit impulses faster and the myelin sheath can help to repair damaged neurons if the damage is to the axon or dendrites
What protects the CNS?
- Bones of the skull
- Meninges and CSF
- Blood brain barrier
What does the cerebrospinal fluid do?
lubricates and nourishes CNS and constantly circulates
What are the 4 major regions of the brain?
- Cerebrum
- Diencephalon
- Brain stem
- Cerebellum
What are the 3 structures of the diencephalon?
- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Epithalamus
What does the cerebrum consist of?
- Frontal lobe
- Parietal lobe
- Occipital lobe
- Temporal lobe
What is the reticular activating system?
The RAS is a set of connected nuclei in the brain that is responsible for regulating wakefulness and sleep - wake transitions
What are the functions of the cerebellum?
Its functions are to coordinate the skeletal muscle contractions, body posture and balance
What are the cranial nerves?
Nerves originating directly from the brain and brainstem. There are 12 in total and they carry a range of motor, sensory and autonomic functions
What is a spinal nerve?
A spinal nerve is a mixed nerve, which carries motor, sensory and autonomic signals between the spinal cord and the body
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there?
In the human body there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, one on each side of the vertebral column
