Nervous systems Flashcards
What is the function of the Brain?
Responsible for virtually everything we think, feel and do.
What is the function of the Spinal Cord?
Connects brain and PNS; initiates spinal reflexes.
What is the function of the Somatic Nervous System?
Carries messages from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS, and motor messages from the CNS to skeletal muscles.
What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System?
Connects CNS to internal organs and glands; self-regulating.
What is the function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?
Prepares body for action.
What is the function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
Calms body after action.
What is the function of the Enteric Nervous System?
Dedicated to the functioning of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract.
What is the function of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Carries messages to and from the PNS.
What is the function of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
Carries messages to and from the CNS.
What are the 2 major functions of the spinal cord?
- Receive sensory information from the body (via the PNS) and send these messages to the brain for processing.
- Receive motor information from the brain and sent it to relevant parts of the body (via the PNS) to control muscles, glands and internal organs so that appropriate actions can be taken.
Define Neural Pathway.
Comprises one or more circuits of interconnected neurons that form a communication network.
Define Conscious Response.
A reaction that involves awareness.
Define Unconscious Response.
A reaction that does not involve awareness.
Define Spinal Reflex.
An unconscious, automatic response controlled solely by neural circuits in the spinal cord.
Define Neural Synapse.
The site where communications typically occurs between adjacent neurons.
Define Neurotransmitter.
A chemical substance produced by a neuron that carries a message to other neurons or cells in muscles, organs or other tissue.
What is the function of an excitatory effect?
Stimulates or activates postsynaptic neurons to perform their functions.
What is the function of an inhibitory effect?
Blocks or prevents postsynaptic neurons from firing
Define Glutamate (Glu).
The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
Define Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid (GABA).
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
Define Neuromodulator.
Neurotransmitters that ‘modulate’ or influence the effects of other neurotransmitters.
What roles does dopamine play a part in?
Voluntary movements, the experience of pleasure, motivation, appetite, reward-based learning and memory.
Define Dopamine.
A modulatory neurotransmitter known to have multiple functions depending on where in the brain it acts.
Define Serotonin.
A modulating neurotransmitter that had a wide range of functions depending on where in the brain it acts.
What roles does serotonin play a part in?
Mood, emotional processing, sleep onset, appetite and pain perception.
What mental conditions is serotonin implicated in?
Depression, anxiety disorders and sleep disorders.
What mental conditions is dopamine implicated in?
Parkinson’s disease, addiction and schizophrenia.
Define Synaptic Plasticity.
The ability of the synapse to change in response to experience.
Define Sprouting.
The creation of new extensions on a neuron to allow it to make new connections with other neurons.
Define Rerouting.
Occurs when new connections are made between neurons to create alternate neural pathways.
Define Pruning.
The elimination of weak, ineffective or unused synapses (and therefore connections to other neurons).
