the brain, and nervous system
this scientific field studies the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and nervous system functioning.
neuroscience.
this specialized nervous system call receives, processes, and transmits information.
neuron.
communication in a neuron is primarily mediated by this type of signaling.
electrical signaling.
these nervous system cells support, protect, and regulate neurons.
glial cells.
this bony structure surrounds, and protects, the brain.
skull.
this part of the nervous system includes the brain, and spinal cord.
central nervous system.
these branches of a neuron primarily receive information from other cells.
dendrites.
this rapid electrical signal travels along the axon of a neuron.
action potential.
these glial cells produce myelin in the central nervous system.
oligodendrocytes.
these three (3) protective membranes surround the brain and spinal cord.
this part of the nervous system includes the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord.
peripheral nervous system.
this long neuronal structure carries signals away from the cell body.
axon.
this is the specialized junction where one neuron communicates with another cell.
synapse, or synaptic cleft.
these glial cells produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system.
schwann cells.
this clear fluid cushions the brain, and circulates via the ventricles and subarachnoid space.
cerebrospinal fluid.
this brain lobe primarily processes visual information.
occipital lobe.
this part of the neuron contains the nucleus, and supports the cell's essential functions.
cell body, or soma.
these chemical messengers are released from the presynaptic neuron, and bind to receptors on another cell.
neurotransmitters.
these glial cells serve as the principal immune cells of the central nervous system.
name the three (3) layers of the meninges.
dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.
this brain lobe contains the primary somatosensory cortex, and processes information related to touch and body position.
parietal lobe.
these neurons carry commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.
motor neurons.
most communication between neurons uses this type of signaling across a synapse.
chemical signaling.
these star-shaped glial cells regulate the neuronal environment and contribute to blood-brain barrier functioning.
astrocytes.
this selective cellular boundary regulates which substances can move from the blood into brain tissue.
blood-brain barrier.