BackAnatomy & Physiology: Nervous System Fundamentals
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1/29BackSkip to main contentBackWhat are the two main cell types in the nervous system?
Neurons send and receive signals, and Neuroglia support and protect neurons. What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Central nervous system (CNS) contains brain and spinal cord; Peripheral nervous system (PNS) delivers sensory info to CNS and transmits motor info from CNS. Name the four general regions of a neuron.
Cell body (with nucleus and perikaryon), Dendrites, Axon, and Telodendria (axon terminals). What distinguishes an anaxonic neuron?
No distinct axon; found in brain and special sense organs. Describe the structure and function of a bipolar neuron.
One dendrite and one axon; located in special sensory organs like the retina. What is unique about unipolar neurons?
Single process that splits into two branches; sensory neurons of the PNS. What characterizes multipolar neurons?
Many dendrites and one axon; most common type, including motor neurons. What is the role of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells?
Oligodendrocytes myelinate CNS axons; Schwann cells myelinate PNS axons. What is the function of the myelin sheath?
Insulating layer that increases action potential velocity via saltatory conduction. What are Nodes of Ranvier?
Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated. Define an action potential.
A rapid, all-or-none change in membrane potential traveling along an axon. What two factors are essential for action potential propagation?
Permeability of ion channels and the electrochemical gradient driving ion movement. What happens when sodium voltage-gated channels open during an action potential?
Na+ enters the neuron, causing depolarization (membrane potential becomes less negative). What is the effect of potassium voltage-gated channels opening?
K+ exits the neuron, causing repolarization (membrane potential becomes more negative). What is the absolute refractory period?
Time during which no new action potential can be initiated due to Na+ channel inactivation. What is the relative refractory period?
Time when a stronger stimulus can trigger an action potential due to hyperpolarization. Explain saltatory propagation.
Action potentials jump between Nodes of Ranvier on myelinated axons, speeding signal transmission. What happens to action potential conduction in demyelinating diseases?
Myelin degradation causes current leakage, slower conduction, and possible signal loss. What is a synapse?
A junction where a neuron communicates with another cell via neurotransmitters. Name the key parts of a synapse.
Presynaptic neuron, postsynaptic cell, synaptic cleft, and neurotransmitters. What are the main functions of the brain?
Processes sensory input, controls voluntary/involuntary actions, enables memory, learning, and complex behaviors. What is the role of the cerebellum?
Coordinates complex somatic motor patterns and adjusts motor output for smooth, balanced movements. What functions are associated with the frontal lobe?
Decision making, recognizing consequences, and comparing similarities/differences. What is the function of the temporal lobe?
Hearing, memory retention, sensory processing, language comprehension, and emotion. What does the parietal lobe do?
Processes touch, sensory integration, body awareness, and numerical knowledge. What is the primary role of the occipital lobe?
Processing visual information. What are the meninges?
Membranes surrounding the CNS: dura mater (outer), arachnoid mater (middle), and pia mater (inner). What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and where is it found?
Clear fluid protecting brain and spinal cord, found in the subarachnoid space. Name the 12 cranial nerves and their primary functions.
Examples: CN I - olfactory (smell), CN II - optic (vision), CN III - oculomotor (eye movement), CN V - trigeminal (face sensation and mastication), CN X - vagus (visceral sensory and motor).
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