SB2i: Neurotransmission Speeds Keywords Flashcards
Effector
Muscle or gland in the body that performs an action when an impulse from the nervous system is received.
Motor neurone
Neurone that carries impulses to effectors.
Neurotransmitter
Substance that diffuses across the gap between two neurones at a synapse, and triggers an impulse to be generated in the neurone on the other side of the synapse.
Reflex
Response to a stimulus that does not require processing by the brain. The response is automatic. Also called a reflex action.
Reflex arc
Neurone pathway consisting of a sensory neurone passing impulses to a motor neurone (often via a relay neurone), which allows reflexes to occur.
Relay neurone
A short type of neurone, found in the spinal cord and brain. Relay neurones link with sensory, motor and other relay neurones.
Synapse
Point at which two neurones meet. There is a tiny gap between neurones at a synapse, which cannot transmit an electrical impulse.