Nervous System Flashcards
What is a neuron
A specialized cell in the nervous system
What does a neuron do
Sends and receives information to and from the Brian (neurotransmission)
How does a neuron work?
Through electrical impulses created by depolarization of sodium ions. Sends signals down the axon to the terminal buttons, the vesicles move toward the end and release neurotransmitters across the synaptic gap to send a message.
What is a neurotransmitter
A chemical messenger which carries signals between neurons and other cells
ACh
(Acetylcholine)
-most common
-CNS and PNS
- basic autonomic functions
Dopamine
- regulatory motor activity
- mood, sensory perception, and attention
Glutamate
- excitatory transmitter
- learning and memory
Epinephrine
- adrenaline
- feeling of revved up / on edge
- fight or flight in autonomic NS
Serotonin
- attention, sleep, eating, mood, pain regulation, and complex cognitive functions
- in brain, spinal cord, stomach
GABA
-inhibitory transmitter
- stops brain from becoming overexcited
Lizard Brain
- basic functions / survival
Mammalian Brain
- more complex feelings and reactions
Human Brain
- logic and reasoning
- thinking, executive functioning
Brain Stem
- medulla
Autonomic functions
- lizard brain
Brain Stem
- pons
Bridge of movement from left and right side of the brain
- lizard brain
Cerebellum
Coordination and memory
- lizard brain
Reticular Formation
Sleep and attention
- lizard brain
Thalamus
Relays movement and senses
- mammalian Brain
Hypothalamus
Hunger, thirst, emotion, temperature, circadian rhythm
- mammalian brain 
Amygdala
Negative emotions
- mammalian brain
Frontal Lobe
- motor cortex
- Front of brain, reasoning, motor skills, higher level cognition, expressive language
- Receives info to carry out movements
Temporal Lobe
- hippocampus
- Side by ears, auditory cortex, interprets sounds and language
- Formation of memories
Parietal Lobe
- somatosensory cortex
- Middle, processes tactile sensory info
- Processes body’s senses
Occipital Lobe
Back, vision
