Nerves

47 flashcards · Biology · by ISAAC REEMTSMA

1. Schwann Cells

   Produce insulation around axons and form myelin sheaths.

2. Concussion

   Brain bruise resulting from head trauma

3. Cerebrum

   Largest brain portion with left and right hemispheres

4. Amygdala

   Almond-shaped structure for memory and emotions

5. Interneurons

   Neurons directing incoming impulses for processing in the brain and spinal cord.

6. Limbic System

   Controls emotions like anger, fear, pleasure

7. Hypothalamus

   Maintains homeostasis, regulates vital functions

8. Cerebellum

   Coordinates muscle movement and posture

9. Diencephalon

   Brain portion between hemispheres above midbrain

10. Thalamus

    Relay center recognizing pain, touch, and temperature

11. Motor Neurons

    Neurons carrying impulses out of the brain and spinal cord to stimulate muscles and glands.

12. Synapse

    Junction between communicating neurons with a synaptic cleft.

13. Corpus callosum

    Connects left and right brain hemispheres

14. Pia matter

    Closest layer to brain, rich in nerves and blood vessels

15. Unipolar Neurons

    Simplest neurons with a single process extending from the body.

16. Arachnoid matter

    Thin, web-like middle layer with cerebrospinal fluid

17. Bipolar Neurons

    Neurons with only two processes, one axon and one dendrite.

18. Cerebral Cortex

    Outermost layer of cerebrum with 75% of nervous system neurons

19. Patellar Reflex

    Simple reflex involving a sensory and motor neuron.

20. Reflex

    Rapid, automatic response to a stimulus.

21. Optic Nerve

    Responsible for vision, sensory function only

22. Olfactory Nerve

    Sense of smell, sensory function only

23. Cranial Nerves

    12 pairs of nerves controlling sensory and motor functions of the head and neck

24. Reticular formation

    Structure regulating wakefulness and sleep, may cause coma if injured

25. Medulla oblongata

    Lower brainstem controlling heart rate, breathing, blood pressure

26. Withdrawal Reflex

    Reflex triggered by touching something painful, leading to unconscious withdrawal.

27. Pons

    Relay center between cerebrum and cerebellum

28. Midbrain

    Contains axons linking spinal cord to higher brain parts

29. Brainstem

    Connects cerebrum to spinal cord, includes midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata

30. Hippocampus

    Responsible for short and long-term memory, spatial navigation

31. Somatic Nervous System

    Consciously controlled system involving skeletal muscles.

32. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    Connects the CNS to the body via nerves.

33. Central Nervous System (CNS)

    Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

34. Axons

    Neuron parts sending information via nerve impulses.

35. Dendrites

    Neuron parts receiving electrochemical messages.

36. Nerve Impulses

    Information transmitted by neurons in the form of electrical signals.

37. Spinal Cord

    Nerve column from brain into the vertebral canal with 31 pairs of spinal cord nerves.

38. Cauda Equina

    Bundle of spinal nerves extending beyond the spinal cord.

39. Meninges

    Membranes covering brain and spinal cord (3 layers)

40. Dura matter

    Thick, durable outer layer connecting to cranial cavity

41. Autonomic Nervous System

    Involuntary system controlling heart, blood vessels, and glands.

42. Sensory Receptors

    Detect changes internally and externally, converting them to nerve impulses.

43. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

    Clear fluid between pia and arachnoid matters, cushions brain

44. Reflex Arc

    Simple pathway involving one sensory and one motor neuron, forming the basis for a reflex.

45. Multipolar Neurons

    Efficient neurons with many processes extending from the cell body.

46. Effectors

    Carry impulses from the CNS to muscles and glands.

47. Nodes of Ranvier

    Gaps between myelin sheaths on axons named after Louis Antoine Ranvier.