BSI Lecture 51 Nervous System Introduction Flashcards
The nervous system allows us to interact in “_______” with our environment (internal and external).
real time
In addition, the human nervous system, (specifically the brain), allows us to ________ and _______ from experience
communicate; learn
Rapid propagating electrical signals are _____ _________
action potentials
Synaptic-release of chemical messengers are __________
neurotransmitters
“effectors” such as muscles and glands can be affected and produce a nearly ________ response.
instantaneous
T or F? The nervous system can affect almost all aspects of our physiology although the effects tend to be short-term.
True
Some endocrine messengers (blood-born chemical messengers: hormones) can affect ________ ________ and produce long-lasting and profound effects (but are often much slower in onset).
gene transcription
T or F? Some synaptic transmission by neurotransmitters can affect gene transcription and the formation and modification of synapses.
True, This is seen in vital processes like learning and memory: some memories can persist a lifetime.
The ____ _____ constantly monitors both our internal and external environments via specialized receptors and maintains homeostasis by reflexes of various complexities: from the simplest spinal cord (SC) monosynaptic stretch reflex to responses requiring extensive processing by the brain.
nervous system
The nervous system can be divided into 2 parts anatomically, what are they?
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The CNS consists of:
Brain and Spinal Cord; they are contained and protected by the bony skull and vertebral column
The PNS consists of:
All nervous tissue and associated processes outside the CNS
The nervous system monitors incoming sensory information (________), processes it with CNS-contained “interneurons” and responds via outgoing motor activity (_________).
afferent; efferent
“____________” is a general term for any neuron totally (so including processes) contained within the CNS
Interneurons (although some neuroscientists use the term more specifically for feedback neurons that are typically inhibitory).
“_____________” are neurons affecting effectors such as muscles and glands.
Motorneurons/motoneurons
T or F? Motoneurons are those involved in monitoring, usually via specialized receptors, our environment.
False, Sensory neurons
Functionally the nervous system can be divided into _______ (afferent) and ______ (efferent) divisions.
Sensory; motor
_________ information means sensory information transmitted to the CNS: monitored via various receptors and sent via sensory neurons whose processes (axons) only enter the CNS.
Afferent
_________ information means motor innervation (muscles and glands) transmitted from the CNS via motoneurons whose cell bodies are within the CNS.
Efferent
The visceral motor division is more commonly known as the ______ _______ ________ which itself can be subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic components
Autonomic Nervous System
What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) responsible for?
“Fight or flight” or “Housekeeping” responses (homeostasis) respectively
Explain the process of how a reflex works.
Afferent sensory information enters the spinal cord and synapses onto an interneuron to allow integration. The efferent motor response leaves the spinal cord to affect the appropriate effector such as a gland or muscle
A ________ is basically a response to a set stimulus and can be very simple (and quick) or very complex involving many areas of the CNS, (and therefore much longer).
reflex
T or F? Reflexes such as muscle stretch are polysynaptic.
False, Monosynaptic (involves no interneurons)
T or F? Polysynaptic reflexes utilizes interneurons to produce an integrated response.
True
This reflex requires no conscious effort/thought.
Monosynaptic