Module 4: Neural and Hormonal Systems Flashcards
localization
specific systems serve specific functions within the brain
neuroplasticity
brain changes throughout life by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experiences; the brain is designed to change
neuron
elementary components of nervous system; 3 types - motor, inter, sensory
How are electrochemical signals sent and received within the nervous system?
sent through axon and terminal branches, received through dendrite
myelin sheath
allows faster transmission of signal
glial cells
provide myelin & support, nourish, and protect neurons
action potential
if a combined signal received by a neuron exceeds a minimum threshold the neuron fires transmitting an electrical impulse down its axon; an al or none process
neurotransmitters
may influence specific behaviors & emotions
acetylcholine (ACh)
Enables muscle action, learning,
and memory; With Alzheimer’s disease, ACh-
producing neurons deteriorate
dopamine
Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion; Oversupply linked to schizophrenia; Undersupply linked to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson’s disease
serotonin
Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and
arousal; Undersupply linked to depression. Some drugs that raise serotonin levels are used to treat depression.
norepinephrine
Helps control alertness and arousal; Undersupply can depress mood
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric
acid)
A major inhibitory neurotransmitter; Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia
glutamate
A major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in
memory; Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, producing migraines or seizures
endorphins
Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure; Oversupply with opiate drugs can suppress the body’s natural endorphin supply
agonist
molecule that increases a neurotransmitter’s action
antagonist
molecule that inhibits/blocks a neurotransmitter’s action
nervous system
electrochemical communication network including cns and pns
central nervous system (cns)
brain and spinal cord (decision makers)
peripheral nervous system (pns)
sensor/motor neurons connect cns to body for gathering/transmitting infromation
sensory neurons
transmits messages from body’s tissues and sensory receptors to spinal cord/brain
motor neurons
transmits messages from cns to body’s muscles
interneurons
(within brain & spinal cord) communicate with one another & process info between the sensory input and motor input
somatic nervous system
(part of pns) sensory and motor input
autonomic nervous system
(part of pns) automatic, self regulates internal organs
sympathetic nervous system
(part of autonomic) arouses and expands energy; enables voluntary control of skeletal muscles
parasympathetic nervous system
(part of autonomic) calms and conserves energy; allows routine maintenance activity and controls involuntary muscles and glands
endocrine system
set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream; includes pituitary and hypothalamus
pituitary
mater gland that influences hormone release by other glands (including adrenal glands - adrenaline, fight or flight)
hypothalamus
influences the pituitary
