Chapter 3 (Oxford Textbook), Unit 3 AoS 1 Flashcards
Nervous System
What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?
Brain and spinal cord
The CNS is significant for processing and coordinating responses to sensory stimuli.
What is the primary role of the Somatic Nervous System (SNS)?
Conscious responses
The SNS controls voluntary movement and gathers sensations from the 5 senses.
What is the length of the spinal cord?
45 cm long
The spinal cord is an extension of the brain stem.
How many pairs of spinal nerves connect the spinal cord to the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
31 pairs
These spinal nerves connect to various body parts including skin, muscles, and internal organs.
What are the two main roles of the spinal cord?
- Carry incoming sensory info from body to brain
- Relay motor info initiated by brain to body
What is a spinal reflex?
Simple response to sensory stimuli
Spinal reflexes are unlearned and innate, controlled by the spinal cord.
What are the two types of spinal reflexes?
- Monosynaptic
- Polysynaptic
What does the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) control?
Involuntary actions
The ANS is self-regulating and connected to internal organs.
What are the two branches of the Autonomic Nervous System?
- Sympathetic Nervous System (SyNS)
- Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
What activates the Sympathetic Nervous System (SyNS)?
Perceived stressors
The hypothalamus activates the SyNS, leading to adrenaline release.
What is the primary function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
Restores body to calm state
It activates the ‘rest and digest’ response.
What is the primary function of neurons?
Transmit information through electric signals
Neurons send messages in one direction, from presynaptic to postsynaptic.
What is the synapse?
Gap between two neurons
Also known as the synaptic cleft or synaptic gap.
What is the role of neurotransmitters?
Transmit signals across synapses
They can either activate or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron.
What is Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)?
Increases efficiency of synaptic connections
LTP makes it more likely for neurons to fire and strengthens neural pathways.
What is Long-Term Depression (LTD)?
Weakening of existing synapses
LTD occurs when the frequency of electrical stimulation is reduced.
What is ‘sprouting’ in the context of synaptic plasticity?
Growth of axon and/or dendrite fibers
Sprouting changes the physical structure of neurons.
What is ‘pruning’ in neural networks?
Elimination of excess neurons and synaptic connections
Pruning increases efficiency of neuronal transmissions.
What neurotransmitter is involved in both Long-Term Potentiation and Long-Term Depression?
Glutamate
Glutamate plays a key role in modifying synaptic connections.
Fill in the blank: The __________ Nervous System controls voluntary movements.
[Somatic Nervous System (SNS)]
True or False: Reflexes are primarily controlled by the brain.
False
Reflexes are often controlled by the spinal cord for efficiency.
