neuromuscular physiology Flashcards
What is nervous tissue made up of?
Nerve cells or neurons
Neurons are the primary components of nervous tissue.
What are neurons characterized by?
They are electrically excitable
This characteristic allows the nervous system to communicate through electrical impulses.
What is an action potential?
Movement of an electrical signal in the body
Action potentials are essential for neuronal communication.
What are glial cells?
Cells that protect neurons and do not generate or transfer action potentials
They play a supportive role in the nervous system.
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical substances that facilitate communication between a nerve cell and the target cell
They are crucial for synaptic transmission.
Name three neurotransmitters.
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Acetylcholine
Each neurotransmitter has specific roles in the body.
What role does acetylcholine play?
In memory, learning, attention, arousal, and involuntary movement
Acetylcholine is essential for muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction.
What is the function of dendrites?
To communicate with other cells and receive information
Dendrites are the input structures of neurons.
What is the role of the axon?
To transport electrical signals throughout the body
The axon is crucial for signal propagation.
What do myelin sheaths do?
Allow for faster transfer of signals
Myelin sheaths insulate axons and increase conduction velocity.
What are axon terminals?
The site of synapse where neurotransmitters are stored and released
They bridge the communication between neurons and target cells.
What are the two classes of neurons?
- Sensory neurons (afferent)
- Motor neurons (efferent)
These classes serve different functions in the nervous system.
What is the role of sensory neurons?
To monitor and provide information back toward the brain
They are involved in sensory processing.
What do motor neurons do?
Command or give instruction, initiate action, send information away from the CNS
They are responsible for motor control.
What is the role of the CNS?
To monitor all information from sensory neurons around the body
The CNS integrates sensory input and coordinates responses.
What is the peripheral nervous system?
All nervous tissue outside of the brain and spinal cord
It connects the CNS to limbs and organs.
What is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?
Involuntary control of organs
It regulates bodily functions that occur without conscious control.
What does the somatic nervous system control?
Voluntary aspects of movement
It governs conscious movements and reflexes.
What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?
- Sympathetic
- Parasympathetic
These branches work together to maintain homeostasis.
What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
Prepares the body for emergency (fight or flight)
It increases heart rate and energy mobilization.
What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
Active when the body does not need to be prepared for emergencies
It conserves energy and promotes restful functions.
How do action potentials occur?
Movement in substances and changes in electrical charges of cells
This process involves depolarization and repolarization.
What is a synapse?
Region of communication between cells
It can be either electrical or chemical.
What is a neuromuscular junction?
Connection between motor neuron terminals and muscle cell membrane
It is a type of chemical synapse important for muscle contraction.
