Nervous system functioning Flashcards
Define the central nervous system
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.
Define the pheripheral nervous system
refers to a major division of the nervous system comprising every neuron outside of the central nervous system.
Define the somatic nervous system
refers to a division of the pheripheral ns that transmits neural messages related to voluntary motor movement.
Define the autonomic nervous system
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.
Define the sympathetic nervous system
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.
Define the parasympathetic nervous system
refers to a division of the autonomic nervous system that maintains the optimal and balanced functioning of visceral muscles, organs and glands.
Define interneurons
refers to neurons that transfers neural messages between motor and sensory neurons.
Define conscious response
refers to a deliberate and voluntary action that is initiated by the brain and performed intentionally by the body.
Define unconscious response
refers to an automatic and involuntary action that is performed by the body independently to the brain.
List physiological responses of the autonomic ns
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.
Define the neural synapse
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.
Explain role of axon terminals
the role is to release neurochemicals into the neural synapse.
Define synaptic transmission
refers to the chemical conveyance of neural information between two neurons across a neural synapse.
Define a neurotransmitter
refers to a chemical molecule that has an effect on one or two postsynaptic neurons.
Identify the two types of neurotransmitter
the two types refer to the excitatory neurotransmitters and the inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Define glutamate
refers to the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.
Define GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid)
refers to the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It decrease the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.
Define neuromodulators
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.
Define dopamine
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.
Define serotonin
refers to a neuromodulator primarily responsible for the regulation of mood and sleep. Has inhibitory effects on the postsynaptic neuron.
Define sprouting
refers to the ability of dendrites or axons to develop new extensions or branches.
Define rerouting
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.
define pruning
refers to the elimination of synaptic connections that are not adequately activated.
Define learning
refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills or behaviours through experiences.
Define memory
refers to the process of encoding, storing and retrieving information that has been previously encountered.
Define long-term potentiation
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.
Define long term depression
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.
