Neuron
Basics
Basics
This is the basic unit of the nervous system
Neuron
What are the two main parts of the central nervous system?
Brain and spinal cord
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Central and Peripheral (CNS & PNS)
Which hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body?
Left hemisphere
What is the main function of the myelin sheath?
To insulate and speed up signals
In a neuron, which structure carries signals TOWARD the cell body?
Dendrites
Which part of the brain controls higher-level thinking, reasoning, and learning?
Cerebrum
Which system includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord?
Peripheral nervous system
Which lobe is responsible for behavior, personality, and decision-making?
Frontal
Why do babies have slower nervous system responses?
Their myelin sheath is not fully developed
In a neuron, which structure carries signals AWAY from the cell body?
Axon
Which part of the brain helps with balance and muscle coordination?
Cerebellum
What structure protects the spinal cord?
Vertebrae (backbone)
Which lobe of the brain is responsible for vision?
Occipital lobe
What test is used to analyze cerebrospinal fluid?
Lumbar puncture
What is the protective coating around the axon that speeds up signals?
Myelin sheath
Which part of the brain controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate?
Brainstem
How many pairs of nerves come out of the spinal cord?
31 pairs
What part of the brain regulates hunger, thirst, and body temperature?
Hypothalamus
Why must the brain be protected from many chemicals in the blood?
Because many are toxic to neurons and neurons are difficult to repair
What type of cells support neurons and help them communicate?
Neuroglial cells (glial or specific cells)
What structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain?
Corpus callosum
What is the main role of the spinal cord in addition to connecting the brain to the body?
Allows for reflexes and signal transmission
What system manages emotion, motivation, and memory?
Limbic system
What are the gaps in the myelin sheath called?
Nodes of Ranvier