医学英语 NS-SUMC-ASG.pdf

The Nervous System Additional Study Guide-SUMC Sima Sarvari, MD Nervous System = Communication Function:  Receives Stimuli  Interprets information  Causes a response -Controls and coordinates bodily functions -Responds to stimuli (inside or outside the body) What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?  Neuron!  What does the neuron do?  Carries messages throughout the body  How does it carry the messages?  By conducting electrical signals  What are these signals called?  Nerve impulses! What does a neuron look like? Neuron Anatomy  Three parts to a NEURON: Cell Body 1. Cell body: Large, central portion of the neuron where all organelle are located  What is its job?  Interpret incoming signals Neuron Anatomy Dendrites 2. Dendrites: Short, highly branched fibers  what is its job?  Carries impulses toward the cell body  Referred to as the afferent process Neuron Anatomy 3. Ax