Chapter 2 Flashcards
An extensive network of specialized cells that carry information to and from all parts of the body
NERVOUS SYSTEM
The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and receives and sends messages within that system
NEURON
Deals with the structure and function of neurons, nerves, and nervous tissue
– relationship to behavior and learning
NEUROSCIENCE
Parts of a neuron
• Dendrites
• Soma
• Axon
Branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons
DENDRITES
Long, tube-like structure that carries the neural message to other cells
AXON
The cell body of the neuron, responsible for maintaining the life of the cell
SOMA
Grey fatty cells that:
- provide support for the neurons to grow on and around
– deliver nutrients to neurons
– produce myelin to coat axons
GLIAL CELLS
fatty substances produced by certain glial cells that coat the axons of neurons to insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse
– clean up waste products and dead neurons
MYELIN
Charged particles
IONS
the state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse
RESTING POTENTIAL
The release of the neural impulse consisting of a reversal of the electrical charge within the axon
– allows positive sodium ions to enter the cell
ACTION POTENTIAL
A neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all
ALL OR NONE
- Rounded areas at the end of the branches at the end of the axon
– responsible for communicating with other nerve cells
AXON TERMINAL
Sack-like structures found inside the axon terminal containing chemicals
SYNAPTIC VESICLES
Chemical found in the synaptic vesicles which, when released, has an effect on the next cell
NEUROTRANSMITTER
Microscopic fluid-filled space between the rounded areas on the end of the axon terminals of one cell and the dendrites or surface of the next cell
SYNAPSE/SYNAPTIC GAP
Holes in the surface of the dendrites or certain cells of the muscles and glands, which are shaped to fit only certain neurotransmitters
RECEPTOR SITES
neurotransmitter that causes the receiving cell to fire
EXCITATORY NEUROTRANSMITTER
neurotransmitter that causes the receiving cell to stop firing
INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTER
mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter on the receptor sites of the next cell, increasing or decreasing the activity of that cell
AGONIST
Block or reduce a cell’s response to the action of other chemicals or neurotransmitters
ANTAGONIST
Process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles
REUPTAKE
Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
A long bundle of neurons that carries messages to and from the body to the brain that is responsible for very fast, lifesaving reflexes
SPINAL CORD
a neuron that carries information from the senses to the central nervous system
SENSORY NEURON
also called an afferent neuron
SENSORY NEURON
A neuron that carries messages from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body
MOTOR NEURON
Also called an efferent neuron
MOTOR NEURON
a neuron found in the center of the spinal cord that receives information from the sensory neurons and sends commands to the muscles through the motor neurons
INTERNEURON
make up the bulk of the neurons in the brain
INTERNEURON
The ability to constantly change both the structure and function of cells in response to experience or trauma
NEUROPLASTICITY
All nerves and neurons that are not contained in the brain and spinal cord but that run through the body itself
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IS DIVIDED INTO?
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AND SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEN
Soma means?
BODY
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
SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM