2.03 Flashcards
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
Receives, processes, and sends signals.
Spinal Cord
A long bundle of neurons that carries messages between the body and the brain and is responsible for very fast, life saving reflexes.
Main transportation terminal
Afferent (sensory) neuron
A neuron that carries information from the senses to the central nervous system.
Arriving signal (sensory)
Efferent (motor) neuron
A neuron that carries messages from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body.
Exiting signal (motor)
Interneurons
A neuron found in the center of the spinal cord that receives information from the afferent neurons and sends commands to the muscles through the efferent neurons. Interneurons also make up the bulk of the neurons in the brain.
Middle man
Reflex arc
The connection of the afferent neurons to the interneurons to the efferent neurons, resulting in a reflex action.
Afferent -> inter -> efferent
Cause and effect
Neuroplasticity
The ability within the brain to constantly change both the structure and function of many cells in response to experience or trauma.
If part of the brain is damages, then other parts of the brain try to start to take over the other part’s function. Kind of like in 50 first dates.
Stem cells
Special cells found in all the tissues of the body that are capable of becoming other cell types when those cells need to be replaced due to damage or wear and tear.
Stem cells are the adaptable part of every cell.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
All nerves that are not contained in the brain and spinal cord but that run through the body itself.
Sensory, motor, involuntary
Somatic nervous system (SNS)
Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that carry information from the senses to the CNS and from the CNS to the voluntary muscles of the body.
SNS controls voluntary motions
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that carry information from the senses to the CNS and from the CNS to the voluntary muscles of the body.
ANS controls involuntary motions. i.e. breathing
Sensory pathway
Nerves coming from the sensory organs to the CNS consisting of afferent neurons.
Place between sensory organs and CNS.
Motor pathway
Nerves coming from the sensory organs to the CNS consisting of afferent neurons.
Place between CNS to voluntary muscles.
Sympathetic division (fight or flight system)
Part of the ANS that is responsible for reacting to stressful events and bodily arousal.
Fight or Flight system.
The sympathetic bird is startled and is prepared to fight or flight.
Parasympathetic division (eat-drink-and-rest system)
Part of the ANS that restores the body to normal functioning after arousal and is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the organs and glands.
Eat-drink-and-rest system.
Day-to-day functioning.
