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PSYC280 > UNIT 2: Chapter 1 > Flashcards

UNIT 2: Chapter 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the two main types of cells in the nervous system?

A

Neurons and glial cells.

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2
Q

What are neuron cells?

A

the nerve cells, 80-90B of them, lose about 85K/day, diverse shapes and types

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3
Q

What are glia cells?

A

the basic support cells, 80-100B of them estimated to be 85B, 4 main types

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4
Q

Cell body

A

aka soma, central part of neuron, contains nucleus and cell organelles
produces proteins and chemicals for neuron to function
recieves signals from dendrites and processes them to send down axon

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5
Q

nucleus

A

inside cell body
stores DNA and controlls gene expression
regulates cell activites

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6
Q

dendrites

A

branch like extentions from cell body
recieves the signals from other neurons and delivers to the soma

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7
Q

axon

A

long extension that carries electrical impulses from soma to other neurons, muscles, or glands
conducts action potentials, delivers information to other cells and supports long distance communication

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8
Q

axon terminals

A

small branches at the end of the axon
release neurotransmitters, communicate with target cells across the synapse and enable signal transmittion

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9
Q

dendrite spines

A

small, knob like projections that stick out of dendrites
recieve synaptic input, increase surface area and support learning and memory

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10
Q

axon collateral

A

branch that comes off the main axon
spreads signals to multiple targets, amplify communication and coordinate complex responses

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11
Q

presynaptic cell

A

neuron that send a signal across a synapse to another cell
generates and sends the action potential, releases neurotransmitters and initiates communications

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12
Q

postsynaptic cell

A

cell that receives a signal from a presynpatic cell at the synapse
recieves neurotransmitters, responds to the signal and continues the signal

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13
Q

myelin sheath

A

fatty insulating layer that wraps around the axons of many neurons
insulates the axon, speeds up signal transmittion and improves efficiency

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14
Q

multipolar neuron

A

one axon and multiple dendrites
most common type in the central nervous system
typically involved in motor control and complex processing

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15
Q

What are the functional zones

A

specific regions that perform different roles in processing and transmitting information. The main functional zones include:

Input Zone
Typically the dendrites and cell body
Receives signals from other neurons.

Integration Zone
The axon hillock (part of the cell body where the axon begins)
Summarizes incoming signals and decides whether to generate an action potential.

Conduction Zone
The axon
Transmits the action potential away from the cell body toward the axon terminals.

Output Zone
The axon terminals (presynaptic terminals)
Releases neurotransmitters to communicate with the next neuron or target cell.

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16
Q

bipolar neuron

A

type of neuron with one axon and one dentrite
found in sensory systems (retina of eye and olfactory system)
transmit sensory information from sensory organs to other neurons

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17
Q

monopolar neuron

A

single process that branches into two parts: one to receive sensory information and the other sending signals to the central nervous system
commonly found in sensory neurons of peripheral nervous system
splits into peripheral branch and central branch
allows rapid transmission of sensory information

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18
Q

golgi stain

A

completely stains entire neuron, can see complete cells against unstained background

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19
Q

nissl stains

A

nissl stains all cell bodies by staining rough endoplamic reticulum

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20
Q

weigert stain

A

selectively stains nerve fibers - axons

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21
Q

immunocytochemisty

A

uses labelled antibodies to identify cell proteins

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22
Q

hybridization histochemisty

A

uses labelled antisense RNA to identify mRNA

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23
Q

How to classify neurons?

A

shape, size, function

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24
Q

main functions of neurons

A

Motor neurons (muscles), sensory neurons (senses), interneurons (communication between neurons).

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25
receptors
specializes proteins that span hte cell membrane to recognize and respond to extracellular signals
26
In what order does information flow through a neuron?
Dendrites → soma → axon → axon terminals.
27
What is an action potential?
An electrical impulse that travels down the axon.
28
What is axoplasmic transport?
The movement of substances like neurotransmitters down the axon using kinesin (slow) or dynein (fast).
29
What is the difference between afferent and efferent?
Afferent means "toward" (incoming signals), and efferent means "away" (outgoing signals).
30
What is divergence in neural signaling?
One neuron sends signals to many targets (common in sensory systems).
31
What is convergence in neural signaling?
Many neurons send signals to one target (common in motor control).
32
astrocytes
star shaped, some have "suckers" connecting to blood vessels - conduit for nutrients, provide nutrients, help form the blood-brain barrier, secrete growth factors, and can become cancerous (astrocytoma).
33
microglia
weenie, act as immune cells in the brain, cleaning up debris at injury sites.
34
oligodendrocytes
form myelin sheaths in the central nervous system and insulate multiple axons. (CNS)
35
schwann cells
form myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system, insulating one segment of one axon. (PNS)
36
What does 'dorsal' mean?
Toward the back or top of the brain.
37
What does 'ventral' mean?
Toward the front or underside of the brain.
38
frontal lobe
front part of cerebral cortex control center of the brain—it helps you move, think, speak, plan, and behave appropriately.
39
precentral gyrus
a strip of brain tissue located in the frontal lobe, just in front of the central sulcus brain’s movement command center, sending instructions to your muscles to move.
40
central sulcus
prominent groove or fold in the brain that separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe. boundary line that marks where movement control ends and sensory processing begins.
41
postcentral gyrus
a strip of brain tissue located in the parietal lobe, just behind the central sulcus. brain’s touch center, helping you feel sensations from your body.
42
parietal lobe
located behind the frontal lobe and above the temporal lobe sense and space processor, helping you feel and interact.
43
occipital lobe
rearmost part of the cerebral cortex brain’s vision center
44
cerebellum
located at the back and bottom of the brain, underneath the occipital lobe. brain’s movement coach, helping you stay balanced and move smoothly
44
medulla
lowest part of the brainstem brain’s life-support system, keeping essential body functions running without conscious effort.
45
temporal lobe
side of the brain, beneath the frontal and parietal lobes, near the temples. brain’s hearing, language, and memory center.
46
sylvian (lateral) sulcus
a deep groove on the side of the brain that separates the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe like a boundary line on the brain’s surface that helps organize regions responsible for hearing, language, and other functions
47
cingulate gyrus
a curved ridge of brain tissue located just above the corpus callosum in the medial part of the cerebral cortex a bridge between emotion and thought, helping you respond emotionally while staying focused and motivated.
48
thalamus
a small, egg-shaped structure located deep inside the brain the brain’s traffic controller, directing sensory signals and helping you stay alert and coordinated.
49
hypothalamus
a small but crucial structure located just below the thalamus the brain’s master regulator, keeping your body’s internal environment stable and balanced
50
hippocampus
a curved, seahorse-shaped structure located deep within the temporal lobe of the brain. brain’s memory maker and navigator
51
amygdala
an almond-shaped cluster of neurons located deep within the temporal lobe, near the hippocampus brain’s emotional alarm system
52
olfactory blub
located at the front part of the brain, just above the nasal cavity brain’s smell processor, helping you detect and recognize odors.
53
papez' circuit of emotion
a network of brain structures proposed to be involved in processing and regulating emotions. acts like an emotional processing loop in the brain, linking feelings, memory, and bodily responses.
54
corpus callosum
a large bundle of nerve fibers located between the two cerebral hemispheres. like a bridge that lets the two halves of your brain talk to each other.
55
pituitary gland
a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus. the body’s hormone control center, directing key bodily functions through hormone release
56
pons
part of the brainstem located above the medulla and below the midbrain a communication hub in the brainstem that helps coordinate vital functions like breathing, sleep, and movement.
57
midbrain
a part of the brainstem located above the pons and below the thalamus. acts as a sensory and movement center, helping you react quickly to what you see and hear
58
superior and inferior colliculi
paired structures located on the roof of the midbrain (together called the tectum) the superior colliculi help you see and look at things, while the inferior colliculi help you hear and locate sounds.
59
pineal gland
a small, pea-shaped endocrine gland located deep in the center of the brain, near the thalamus. brain’s biological clock, helping control when you sleep and wake.
60
putamen
a round structure located deep within the brain, part of a group of nuclei called the basal ganglia. a movement coordinator, helping your brain plan and execute smooth, purposeful motions.
61
caudate nucleus
a C-shaped structure located deep within the brain's basal ganglia crucial for coordinating motor activity, supporting learning and memory, and integrating emotional and cognitive information
62
globus pallidus
a group of nuclei deep in the brain involved in movement regulation regulates movement by sending inhibitory signals, helping balance activity between different motor pathways
63
substantia nigra
a midbrain structure vital for movement control and dopaminergic signaling
64
foramen magnum
a large, oval-shaped opening at the base of the skull in the occipital bone. essential for both neurological function and basic life support mechanisms
65
cervical nerves
the first 8 pairs of spinal nerves (C1–C8) that emerge from the cervical spine (neck region) of the spinal cord form a vital communication line between the brain and upper body
66
thoracic nerves
the 12 pairs of spinal nerves (T1–T12) that emerge from the thoracic region of the spinal cord essential for the mid-body’s strength, stability, and sensory feedback
67
lumbar nerves
5 pairs of spinal nerves (L1–L5) that emerge from the lumbar region of the spinal cord essential for walking, posture, leg strength, and lower body sensation
68
sacral nerves
a group of five pairs of spinal nerves (S1 to S5) that emerge from the sacral region of the spinal cord, near the lower back. help you move your lower body and manage vital pelvic functions like going to the bathroom and sexual response.
69
coccygeal nerves
a single pair of spinal nerves (Co1) that emerge from the coccyx, or tailbone area, at the very bottom of the spinal cord help with sensation and support in the tailbone and pelvic area.
70
sympathetic nervous system
one of two branches of the autonomic nervous system, controls involuntary body functions Prepares the body for "fight or flight" Increases heart rate and breathing Dilates pupils and airways Inhibits digestion and other non-essential functions Stimulates adrenaline release
71
parasympathetic nervous system
second main branch of the autonomic nervous system Promotes "rest and digest" activities Slows heart rate and breathing Stimulates digestion and nutrient absorption Encourages elimination Supports reproductive functions
72
lateral ventricle
two large, C-shaped cavities located deep within each hemisphere of the brain. produces and contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), help circulate CSF, protect and nourish the brain
73
third ventricle
a narrow, fluid-filled cavity located in the middle of the brain, between the two halves of the thalamus. circulates CSF, protects the brain, and supports brain metabolism
74
cerebral aqueduct
a narrow channel in the midbrain that connects the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle. allows CSF to flow between ventricles, helps maintain proper CSF circulation, prevents fluid buildup
75
fourth ventricle
a diamond-shaped cavity located between the brainstem (pons and medulla) and the cerebellum. circulates CSF, protects the brain and spinal cord, supports nutrient delivery and waste removal
76
choroid plexus
a network of specialized cells and blood vessels located inside the ventricles of the brain, especially the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles. produces CSF, maintains the chemical balance of CSF, and protects the brain
77
anterior cerebral arteries
major arteries in the brain that are part of the circle of Willis, a ring-like arterial structure at the base of the brain that provides collateral blood flow. supply oxygenated blood to the medial (inner) portions of the frontal lobes and the superior medial parietal lobes of the brain.
78
hydrocephalus
a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the ventricles of the brain, causing increased pressure inside the skull.
79
cerebrospinal fluid
a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
80
middle cerebral arteries
the largest and most commonly affected cerebral arteries in strokes. supplies blood to the lateral aspects of the brain
81
circle of willis
a circular network of arteries located at the base of the brain. acts as a backup system, equalizes blood pressure, and distributes oxygenated blood
82
posterior cerebral arteries
two major blood vessels that branch from the basilar artery and supply the back portion of the brain supply oxygen-rich blood to occipital and temporal lobes and support brain structures
83
vertebral artery
two major arteries that run up the neck from the spine supply blood to posterior part of the brain, join to form basilar artery and support functions for survival
84
internal carotid artery
major blood vessel that comes from common carotid artery in the neck supplies blood to front part of the brain, feeds critical structures, branches into key arteries
85
ACA
sagittal surface
86
PCA
occipital and inferior temporal cortex

PSYC280 (3 decks)

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