Nervous System Basics
The two major divisions of the nervous system.
What are the CNS and PNS?
The three main parts of a neuron.
What are the cell body, dendrites, and axon?
The simplest type of reflex arc.
What is a two‑neuron arc?
The tough outer layer of the eye, also known as the “white.”
What is the sclera?
The three divisions of the ear.
What are the external, middle, and inner ear?
Cells that support and protect neurons.
What are glia (neuroglia)?
The wave of electrical disturbance traveling along a neuron.
What is an action potential?
The effect of completely cutting across the spinal cord.
What is loss of sensation and paralysis?
The part of the eye responsible for focusing light on the retina.
What is the lens?
The organ of hearing located in the cochlea.
What is the organ of Corti?
The type of neuron that carries impulses to the CNS.
What is a sensory (afferent) neuron?
The space where one neuron communicates with another.
What is a synapse?
The outer portion of the spinal cord is mostly this type of matter.
What is white matter?
Receptors that provide color vision.
What are cones?
The four traditional taste sensations.
What are sweet, sour, bitter, and salty?
The insulating material that speeds nerve transmission.
What is myelin?
The process where impulses jump from node to node on myelinated fibers.
What is saltatory conduction?
The withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid with a needle.
What is a lumbar puncture (spinal tap)?
The condition caused by increased intraocular pressure.
What is glaucoma?
Cranial nerve responsible for smell.
What is cranial nerve I (olfactory nerve)?
The disease characterized by the loss of myelin in CNS fibers.
What is multiple sclerosis?
Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin belong to this group.
What are catecholamines?
The fluid that circulates through ventricles and the spinal canal.
What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
The condition where the retina pulls away from the choroid.
What is retinal detachment?
The disorder with tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo.
What is Ménière’s disease?