Nervous system functioning

Question 1

Define the central nervous system

Answer 1

refers to a major division of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord, which receives neural messages from and transmits neural messages to the PNS.

Question 2

Define the pheripheral nervous system

Answer 2

refers to a major division of the nervous system comprising every neuron outside of the central nervous system.

Question 3

Define the somatic nervous system

Answer 3

refers to a division of the pheripheral ns that transmits neural messages related to voluntary motor movement.

Question 4

Define the autonomic nervous system

Answer 4

it refers to a division of the pheripheral nervous system that regulates visceral muscles, glands and organs, and transmits neural messages to the CNS about activity.

Question 5

Define the sympathetic nervous system

Answer 5

refers to a division of the autonomic nervous system that activates visceral organs, muscles and glands, preparing the body to respond to a stressor or threat.

Question 6

Define the parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 6

refers to a division of the autonomic nervous system that maintains the optimal and balanced functioning of visceral muscles, organs and glands.

Question 7

Define interneurons

Answer 7

refers to neurons that transfers neural messages between motor and sensory neurons.

Question 8

Define conscious response

Answer 8

refers to a deliberate and voluntary action that is initiated by the brain and performed intentionally by the body.

Question 9

Define unconscious response

Answer 9

refers to an automatic and involuntary action that is performed by the body independently to the brain.

Question 10

List physiological responses of the autonomic ns

Answer 10

some include: Sympathetic - heart rate increases, pupils dilate and adrenal glands secrete stress hormones such as adrenaline. Parasympathetic - heart beats at a steady rate that supports optimal and regular functioning, sweat glands are regulated and digestion occurs normally, enabling food to be metabolised by the body.

Question 11

Define the neural synapse

Answer 11

refers to the regio that includes the axon terminals of the pre-synaptic neuron, the synaptic gap and the dendrites of the post synaptic neuron.

Question 12

Explain role of axon terminals

Answer 12

the role is to release neurochemicals into the neural synapse.

Question 13

Define synaptic transmission

Answer 13

refers to the chemical conveyance of neural information between two neurons across a neural synapse.

Question 14

Define a neurotransmitter

Answer 14

refers to a chemical molecule that has an effect on one or two postsynaptic neurons.

Question 15

Identify the two types of neurotransmitter

Answer 15

the two types refer to the excitatory neurotransmitters and the inhibitory neurotransmitters.

Question 16

Define glutamate

Answer 16

refers to the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

Question 17

Define GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Answer 17

refers to the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It decrease the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

Question 18

Define neuromodulators

Answer 18

refers to a chemical molecule that has an effect on multiple postsynaptic neurons. It can change the responsiveness of the receptor sites and changing the neurotransmitter release pattern of the presynaptic neuron. There are two types, dopamine and serotonin.

Question 19

Define dopamine

Answer 19

refers to a neuromodulator that primarily responsible for voluntary motor movement, the experience of pleasure and reward based learning. can have both positive and negative effects on the postsynaptic neuron, depends on type of receptor sites.

Question 20

Define serotonin

Answer 20

refers to a neuromodulator primarily responsible for the regulation of mood and sleep. Has inhibitory effects on the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 21

Define sprouting

Answer 21

refers to the ability of dendrites or axons to develop new extensions or branches.

Question 22

Define rerouting

Answer 22

rerouting refers to the ability of a neuron that is connected to a damaged neuron to create an alternative synaptic connection with an undamaged neuron.

Question 23

define pruning

Answer 23

refers to the elimination of synaptic connections that are not adequately activated.

Question 24

Define learning

Answer 24

refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills or behaviours through experiences.

Question 25

Define memory

Answer 25

refers to the process of encoding, storing and retrieving information that has been previously encountered.

Question 26

Define long-term potentiation

Answer 26

refers to the long lasting and experience-dependent strengthening of synaptic connections that are regularly co-activated. Increased number of receptor sites on dendrites, bushier dendrites due to sprouting and increased number of synaptic connections.

Question 27

Define long term depression

Answer 27

refers to the long lasting and experience dependent weakening of synaptic connections between neurons that are not regularly co-activated. Decreased number of receptor sites, decreased number of dendrites due to pruning and decreased number of synaptic connections between neurons due to pruning also.