Nervous System and Senses Flashcards
Define the central nervous system
consists of the brain and spinal cord
Define the peripheral nervous system
consists of cranial and spinal nerves; voluntary; relays information to the CNS
Define autonomic nervous system
part of the peripheral nervous system; consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions; involuntary nervous system
Describe the sympathetic division of the ANS
dominant in stress situations; fight or flight response; increased heart rate, vasodialation in muscles, bronchioles dilate, liver supplies body with more energy, digestion slows, vasoconstriction in the skin and viscera
Describe the parasympathetic division of the ANS
dominates in non-stressful situations; normal functioning of organs; digestion will be efficient, defecation and urination may occur
Define neuron
cells comprising the nervous system
Define dendrite
extensions of a neuron that transmit impulses toward the cell body
Define axon
single extension of a neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body
Describe Schwann cells
schwann cells wrap axons and dendrites in the PNS; layers called myelin sheath; insulates cell from other neurons; stimulate regeneration
Define nodes of Ranvier
the part of the neuron cell membrane that carry the electrical impulse
Define neurolemma
the nuclei and cytoplasm of the schwann cells located outside the myelin sheath
Define neuroglia
provide supporting framework for neural tissue, regulate the environment around neurons, and act as phagocytes
Define synapse
small gap between an axon and a dendrite
Define neurotransmitter
in response to the arrival of an electrical signal, neurotransmitters are released and diffuse accross the synapse to chemical receptors
Define acetylcholine
neurotransmitter found at neuromuscular joints, in the CNS and PNS
What is a neuron not carrying an electrical impulse considered to be?
polarized
Describe the charges of a polarized neuron
positive on the outside of the cell and negative on the inside
What happens to a neuron once it receives stimulus from a neurotransmitter and Na+ ions rush into the cell?
depolarization
What happens to a neuron once K+ rushes out of the cell?
repolarization
Describe the late stage of the repolarization of a neuron
sodium/potassium pumps return Na+ ions outside and K+ inside
Define sensory neurons
carry impulses from receptors to the CNS
Define motor neurons
carry impulses from the CNS to effectors
Define interneurons
only found in the CNS; carry motor or sensory impulses
Define nerve
group of axons and/or dendrites of many neurons with blood vessels and connective tissue
Define nerve tract
groups of neurons within the CNS; also called white matter
State the function and cranial nerve number of the Oculomotor nerve
3; movement of the eyeball, constriction of the pupil
State the function and cranial nerve number of the Vagus nerve
10; sensory for cardiac, respiratory, and blood pressure relexes; decreases heart rate; increases digestive secretions
State the purpose of stretch reflexes
keep us upright without having to think about doing so; spinal cord relex, the brain is not involved
State the purpose of flexor reflexes
stimuli detects danger or hazard and responds by pulling away from it; spinal cord reflex, the brain is not involved
Describe the reflex arc
- receptors detect a change and generate a response2. sensory neurons transmit impulse to the CNS3. synapse occurs between stimulated sensory neuron and a interneron4. interneuron synapses with a motor neuron5. effector receives the impulse and performs its action