chapter 3

Question 1

the nervous system: 2 divisions

Answer 1

consists of 2 divisions:
the central nervous system: brain and spinal cord

peripheral nervous system: all nerves outside of CNS

Question 2

the nervous system

Answer 2

is a communication network
- receives info from environment + own bodies
- analyzes, organizes and interprets info
- uses info to send messages to muscles/glands, and to create conscious experience

Question 3

cells of ns system: neurons

Answer 3

• variety of shapes and sizes
• basic unit of communication

The communication: between neurons in an electrochemical process

When: a neuron wants to communicate with another neuron it fires, creates an electrical impulse/ action potential/neural impulse.

Ultimately: action potential leads to release of neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters: are chemicals which deliver message from 1 neuron to the other

Question 4

cells of ns system: glial

Question 5

types of neurons: 2

Answer 5

Presynaptic neuron is the neuron that sends out messages.

Postsynaptic neuron is the neuron that receives messages.