Module 3 Biology & Neuroscience - Daniel Flashcards
Cells of nervous system
Neurons/Glial cells
Role/function of Neuron
Neurons are information messengers. They use electrical and chemical signals to send information between different areas of the brain, as well as between the brain, the spinal cord, and the entire body
Role/function of Glial cell
Glial cells provide necessary support and connection to protect neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system also responsible for bring vital nutrients and removal of waste
Strucure of neuron
3 main components that comprise neuron structure include dendrites, an axon, and a cell body or soma
The synapse
Located on the dendrites the synapse is a structure that permits a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or to the target effector cell
Electrochemical signals
Neurons send what are known as electrochemical signals. Once a neuron has been stimulated by some sort of stimulus, it generates an electric potential that travels down the length of the cell
Action potentials
a temporary shift (from negative to positive) in the neuron’s membrane potential caused by ions suddenly flowing in and out of the neuron
Neurotransmitters
carry chemical signals (“messages”) from one neuron (nerve cell) to the next target cell. The next target cell can be another nerve cell, a muscle cell or a gland
CNS vs PNS
CNS consists of only two organs (brain and spinal cord) PNS consists of everything else including nerves that travel to and from spinal cord to brain
Somatic Nervous system
A Voluntary division of the PNS that contains neurons and nerves that control the muscles for voluntary movement from the body to the brain - system includes nerves that connect to muscles and joints in neck, legs, arms, torso
Autonomic Nervous system
An Automatic subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that is below the level of conciseness and regulate all the automatic functions that keep one alive and healthy
Sympathetic Nervous System
(Fight or flight) - mainly consisting of neurons supporting cells in spinal cord, the sympathetic nervous system is a division of autonomic nervous system responsible for excitement Ie. increased heart rate, blood is pumped to muscles, narrowed vision etc
Parasympathetic Nervous System
(Rest and digest system) - parasympathetic nervous system is a part of the automatic nervous system responsible for resting, digesting, arousal, and repairing the body located in lower brain and sacral spinal cord
Medulla
Lowest anatomical portion of the brain and the transition point between the brain and the spinal cord. Medulla is responsible for basic function regulation such as breath, heartbeat, awareness level etc.
pons
Receives information directly from the medulla for processing - more specially the regulation of arousal or level of excitement/energy
Reticular formation
Networks of neurons that span the medulla and pons bridging the functions of the body and brain via connection with spinal cord and thalamus - Responsible for regulating level of arousal and focus of our attention on tasks, people, or objects