Exam Two Flashcards
List the primary branches of the Peripheral Nervous System
- Somatic
- Autonomic (Sympathetic and Parasympathetic)
What does each branch of the peripheral nervous system do? (6)
Sensory Nerves: tells the CNS whats going on
Effector Nerves: sends information from the CNS to the tissues/organs
Somatic: voluntary movement
Autonomic: involuntary
-Sympathetic: fight or flight
-Parasympathetic: rest and digest
What are the nerves that send signals to and from the periphery?
Neurons
Nerves: bundles of neurons along with CT
Identify the primary components of a Neuron
How do neurons communicate?
Via electrical impulses
What is an action potential?
Rapid depolarization passed down a neuron
What is the neuron’s resting membrane potential
Negative electrical potential of -70mV
Polarization: difference in charge between the outside and inside of a cell due to concentration of Ions
What are the sodium-potassium pumps? What do they do when activated?
Changes the concentration of Na and K in the cell membrane by pumping them in and out of the cell
Define depolarization, hyper-polarization, and repolarization
Depolarization: Negative to positive
Hyper-polarization: makes the cell even more negative
Repolarization: Positive to negative
What factors affect the speed of an action potential?
- Myelination of Axon: fatty myelin sheaths that insulate the cell membrane
- Diameter of the Axon: larger neurons conduct faster
Describe the differences between a synapse and neuromuscular junction
Synapse: junction between a neuron and a cell
Neuromuscular Junction: site where alpha-motor neuron communicates with a muscle fiber
How does exercise affect the neuromuscular junction?
Increased release of acetylcholine, sensitivity of the muscle to acetylcholine
Define neural fatigue
Acute exercise can decrease motor nerve outflow and transmission rates
Define the different regions of the brain and how each may be involved in exercise. (5)
Primary Motor Cortex: site of conscious movement
Basal Ganglia: site of repetitive, unconscious movement
Diencephalon: Thalamus (sense are processed and relayed to appropriate cortex) Hypothalamus (maintains homeostasis)
Cerebellum: coordinates changes in the body with activity
Brain Stem: autonomic center for respiration and cardiovascular system
Define neuroplasticity
Ability of the brain to change, adapt and develop new pathways
List the types of receptors located around the body and their primary functions (5)
Mechanoreceptors- pressure, touch, vibration, or stretch
Thermoreceptors- temp
Nociceptors- pain
Photoreceptors- light
Chemoreceptors- changes in O2 and CO2, glucose, smell, etc.