Nervous System Flashcards
Neurons
Cells that communicate with one another to process information
Glia
Cells that maintain the local environment that neurons need to function (electrical environment, waste clean up, immune function
Cell Body
General functions needed to keep the neuron alive
Dendrites
The input portion of a neuron that receives communication from other neurons
Axon
The output portion of a neuron that sends signals to other neurons/muscles/glands
Action Potential
An electrical impulse sent down an axon by a neuron
Synapse
The relationship between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron
Synaptic Cleft
Refers to the fact that neurons do not touch, there is a small space between them
Presynaptic Neuron
Neuron that sends a neurotransmitter through the synaptic cleft
Postsynaptic Neuron
Neuron that has receptors to receive the neurotransmitter through the synaptic cleft
Resting Potential/Resting State
Inside of cell is more negative. Na channels closed, K channels open
Action Potential
Inside of cell is more positive. Na channels on axon open up, K channels briefly close then reopen
Agonists
Drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter
Antagonists
Drugs that block the function of a neurotransmitter
Two divisions of the overall nervous system
Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System
Brain and Spinal Cord
Parts of the Central Nervous System
Two divisions of the peripheral nervous system
Somatic Nervous System and Autonomic Nervous system
Peripheral Nervous System Function
Connects the CNS to the body’s organs and msucles
Somatic Nervous System Function
Conveys sensory information and motor commands into and out of the CNS
Two divisions of the autonomic nervous system
Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System Function
Control bodily organs and galnds
Sympathetic Nervous System Function
Prepares the body for action
Parasympathetic Nervous System function
Helps body return to resting state and build energy supplies
4 sections of the Spinal Cord
Cervical (7), Thoracic (12), Lumbar (5), Sacrum (5)
3 sections of the Brain
Brainstem, Cerebellum, Forebrain
4 sections of the brainstem
Midbrain, Pons, Medulla Oblongata, Reticular Formation
Function of the Medulla and Pons
Handling functions that are essential for survival such as heart rate, breathing, swallowing, and urination
Function of the Reticular Formation and Midbrain
Regulate stages of sleep, alertness, visual function, and auditory function
Function of the Cerebellum
A biological computer that assists the forebrain with motor control such as balance, stability, and sequence/timing of muscle contractions
Parts of the Forebrain
Cerebral Cortex Shell and subcortical structures
