Chapter 2, 2.11... Flashcards
Central Nervous System
Brain and Spinal Cord, composed of neurons and glial cells
Spinal Cord
long-bundle of neurons responsible for sensation and reaction (inside is made of gray matter, outside composed of white matter)
Afferent (sensory) neurons
carry messages from the senses to the spinal cord (acces)
Efferent (motor) neurons
carry messages from the spinal cord to the muscles and glands (exit in response)
Interneurons
connect afferent and efferent messages
Neuroplasticity
our ability to constantly change both structure and function of many cells in response to trauma
Neurogenesis
formation of new neurons during the neonatal period, mostly done by time we reach 18 and only the strong neurons remain (stem cells are a potential way to stimulate neurogenesis to stop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s)
Peripheral Nervous System
allows brain and spinal cord to communicate with the sensory system as well as muscles and glands
Somatic nervous system
nerves that control voluntary responses of the body
Sensory Pathway
afferent nerves carrying messages to the central nervous system
Motor pathway
efferent nerves carrying messages to the muscles
Autonomic nervous system
controls involuntary responses of muscles, organs, and glands
Sympathetic division
allows people to react to stressful and emotional situations (fight-or-flight)
Parasympathetic
returns the body to normal function responding to a sympathetic response
Endocrine Glands
secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream
