Nervous System Flashcards
Neuron
Nerve cell
Impulse
An action potential
Synapse
Functional connection between the axon terminal of a neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron or the membrane of another cell type
Neurotransmitters
Chemical that an axon secretes at a synapse that stimulates or inhibits an effector (muscle or gland) or other neuron
Cell body
Part of a neuron that includes cytoplasm and a nucleus, and form which nerve processes extend
Dendrite
Process of a neuron that receive input from other neurons
Axon
The process that conducts an impulse away from the neuron cell body. A nerve fiber
Central nervous system
(CNS) The brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
(PNS) Parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord
Neuroglia
Specialized cells of the nervous system that, depending on the type of neuroglia, produce myelin, maintain the ionic environment, provide growth factors that support neurons, provide structural support, and play a role in cell to cell communication
Sensory Receptor
Specialized structure associated with the peripheral end of a sensory neuron specific to detecting a particular stimulus and triggering an impulse in response.
Effectors
A muscle or gland, either of which can effect change in the body
Somatic nervous system
Motor pathways of the peripheral nervous system that lead to skeletal muscles
Autonomic nervous system
Motor portion of the peripheral nervous system that control the viscera and operates without conscious effort
Myelin
Lipid material that forms a sheath-like covering around some axons. It provides electrical insulation