Nervous System Flashcards
Define central nervous system
the part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord
define peripheral nervous system
the part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system with the receptors, muscles and glands
describe the structure and function of a typical neuron
neurons vary in size and shape but all consist of a cell body and two different types of extensions from the cell (dendrites and axon)….
Name, identify and give the function of the three functional types of neurons
Sensory neurons
distinguish between a neuron, nerve fibre and a nerve
a Neuron is a nerve cell; it is the basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system. a nerve fibre is a projection from a nerve cell body with its associated coverings; usually refers to an axon. And a nerve is a bundle of nerve fibres.
give the definition of a nerve impulse
the electrochemical change that travels along the membrane of a nerve cell; it is the message carried by the nerve.
explain the resting membrane potential
it is the membrane potential of unstimulated nerve cells
explain the all-or-none response
a response of a constant size regardless of the strength of the stimulus; with respect to nerve cells, a nerve impulse is transmitted at full strength or not at all
give the definition of action potential
The rapid depolarisation and repolarisation of the cell membrane
give the definition of saltatory conduction
the conduction of a nerve impulse along a myelinated nerve fibre; the impulse seems to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next
give the definition of a neurotransmitter
a molecule that carries a nerve impulse across the small gap between branches of adjacent nerve cells
give the definition of a receptor
a structure that detects stimuli
give the definition of term reflex
a rapid, automatic response to a change in the external or internal environment; tries to restore homeostasis
state the three major functions of the nervous system
communication, control and homeostasis
