Nerves and Neurophysiology Flashcards
Approx how many neurons are in the central nervous system?
around 10e11
What is the function of interneurons?
they integrate afferent information and formulate an efferent response within the CNS
What is convergence of input?
motor neurons receive synaptic inputs from many neurons
What is divergence of output?
sensory systems at the input stage branch and target MULTIPLE connections
What do afferent neurons do?
they are sensory neurons that send information to the central nervous system
What do efferent neurons do?
they are motor neurones that carry commands FROM the cns
Explain the difference between ‘excitatory’ and ‘inhibitory’ neurons?
Ecitatory neurons tell cells to do something and inhibitory neurons tell the cell not to do anything
Name some of the functions of Glia cells
myelination, support, segregation, neurotransmitter uptake, line the ventricles, phagocytosis.
What does an axon do?
conducts action potentials away from the cell body
What do dendrites do?
they receive information and send it to the cell body
What is the soma?
the part of the cell body that integrates information
What is a synapse made up of?
the presynaptic terminal, the synaptic cleft and the post synaptic dendrite.
What is the definition of an action potential?
It is a propagated wave pf depolarisation (that removes negative potential inside the axon) which is conducted along the nerve
What does habituation mean?
a reduction in the response to a repeated harmless stimulus and a reduction in the release of excitatory neurotransmitter
What are the 5 primary taste sensations?
Salty, sour, sweet, bitter, umami
