BIOL 1107 > Nervous System > Flashcards

Nervous System Flashcards

(55 cards)

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1
Q

Nerve Nets

A

Simple networks of connected neurons (found in cnidarians like jellyfish). No central brain.

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2
Q

Nerves

A

Bundles of axons in the PNS (not cell bodies).

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3
Q

CNS

A

Brain + spinal cord. Integrates information and coordinates responses.

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4
Q

Central canal

A

A narrow, fluid-filled channel that runs through the center of the spinal cord, continuous with the brain’s ventricles.

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5
Q

PNS

A

All nerves outside the CNS. Carries signals to CNS (sensory) and from CNS (motor).

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6
Q

Ventricles

A

Fluid-filled cavities inside the brain.

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7
Q

Cerebrospinal fluid

A

Protective fluid that cushions the brain/spinal cord and circulates nutrients.

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8
Q

Gray matter

A

Regions containing neuron cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses.

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9
Q

White matter

A

Regions containing myelinated axons → white from myelin.

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10
Q

Spinal cord

A

Part of the CNS; transmits signals between brain and body and controls reflexes.

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11
Q

Reflex

A

Automatic, involuntary response controlled by the spinal cord.

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12
Q

Afferent

A

Carry sensory information to the CNS.

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13
Q

Efferent

A

Carry motor commands from the CNS to muscles/glands.

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14
Q

Somatic motor system

A

Controls voluntary muscle movement.

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15
Q

Automatic motor system

A

Controls involuntary functions (heartbeat, digestion, etc.).
Divisions:
-Sympathetic
-Parasympathetic
-Enteric

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16
Q

Enteric nervous system

A

Network of neurons in the gut; controls digestion independently of the brain.

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17
Q

Sympathetic

A

“Fight or flight” — increases heart rate, releases adrenaline, etc.

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18
Q

Parasympathetic

A

“Rest and digest” — slows heart rate, promotes digestion.

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19
Q

Preganglionic neurons

A

The preganglionic neuron has its cell body in the central nervous system (CNS) and its axon travels to an autonomic ganglion

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20
Q

Postganglionic neurons

A

Second neuron; leaves the ganglion → reaches target organ.

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21
Q

Acetylcholine

A

Neurotransmitter used in motor neurons and many autonomic pathways.

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22
Q

Forebrain

A

Contains cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus; involved in thought, memory, emotion.

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23
Q

Midbrain

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A

Part of brainstem; processes sensory info and movement.

24
Q

Hindbrain

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A

Includes pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellum; controls vital functions and coordination.

25
Brainstem
Midbrain + pons + medulla; controls breathing, heart rate, survival processes.
26
Cerebellum
Controls balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.
27
Cerebrum
Largest part of forebrain; responsible for thinking, learning, memory, emotion.
28
Cerebral cortex
Outer layer of cerebrum; involved in complex thought, perception, decision making.
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Corpus callosum
Thick band of axons that connects the left and right hemispheres.
30
Thalamus
Relay center that directs sensory input to the correct area of the cortex.
31
Hypothalamus
Controls homeostasis (temperature, hunger, hormones) and links brains → endocrine system.
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Epithalamus
Contains the pineal gland, regulates sleep-wake cycles.
33
Pons
Relays signals between cerebellum and cerebrum; helps regulate breathing.
34
Medulla Oblongata
Controls essential functions: breathing, heart rate, blood pressure.
35
Reticular Formation
Network in brainstem that regulates sleep, alertness, arousal.
36
Biological Clock
Internal timing system that regulates circadian rhythms (~24 hours).
37
Supachiasmatic nucleus
Cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus → master biological clock.
38
Limbic system
Emotion, motivation, memory formation (includes amygdala, hippocampus, etc.).
39
Amygdala
Processes fear, aggression, and emotional memories.
40
Function of each lobe
-Frontal Lobe – decision-making, planning, motor control. -Parietal Lobe – touch, spatial awareness. -Occipital Lobe – vision. -Temporal Lobe – hearing, language, memory.
41
Broacha's area
Controls speech production.
42
Wernickle's area
Controls language comprehension.
43
Lateralization of cortical function
Main Roles: Language (speech, writing, grammar) Logic & reasoning Math & analytical thinking Sequential processing Detail-oriented tasks Body control: Controls the right side of the body Receives sensory input from the right side Right Hemisphere Main Roles: Spatial awareness (maps, shapes, visual-spatial tasks) Creativity & imagination Music & art perception Emotional interpretation (facial expressions, tone) Holistic/big-picture processing Body control: Controls the left side of the body Receives sensory input from the left side
44
Neuronal plasticity
The brain’s ability to change (strengthen/ weaken synapses) based on experience.
45
Short-term memory
Temporary storage (seconds–minutes); limited capacity.
46
Long-term memory
More permanent storage created by strengthening synaptic connections.
47
Schizophrenia
Disorder involving hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
48
Depression
Major Depressive Disorder Long-lasting low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes. Bipolar Disorder Alternating periods of depression and mania (high energy, impulsivity).
49
Reward system
Dopamine pathway that reinforces pleasurable behaviors.
50
Alzheimers disease
Neurodegenerative disease causing memory loss, confusion, cognitive decline.
51
Arousal
A state of awareness of the external world
52
Sleep
A state in which external stimuli are received but not consciously perceived
53
Glia (Glial Cells)
Support, nourish, and protect neurons.
54
Somatosensory Receptors
Receptors in skin/muscles that detect touch, temperature, pain, pressure.
55
Astrocytes
Anchors neurons to blood supply, helps with exchange of materials between neurons and capillaries
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