Test Flashcards
(128 cards)
The nervous system
A communication network consisting of the nerve cells(neurons) that carry messages both to and from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body
Neuroscientists
Study the Brian and the rest of the nervous system in hopes of gaining a better understanding of Normal and abnormal behavior ( consciousness, perception, memory, emotion, stress)
Nervous system functions
- gather and process information
- produce responses to stimuli
- coordinate the workings of the different cells
Central nervous system
- Brian (in the skull)
- spinal cord ( in the spine)
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
- located outside of the skull and spine
- sensory and motor nerves
CNS
Receives, processes, interprets and stores incoming sensory info
Spinal cord
A collection of neurons and supportive tissue running from the base of the brain down the center of the back
Spinal reflexes
Automatic require no conscious effort ( touching a hot stove )
PSN
Brings sensory information into the CNS and carries motor signals out
Somatic nervous system
Voluntary control of body movements ( nerves connected to sensory receptors and skeletal muscles)
Autonomic nervous system
Involuntary control of visceral functions ( heart rate, digestion, breathing )
- ) sympathetic nervous system
- ) parasympathetic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
- Quick response, mobilizing system arousal
- flight or fight
- expend energy
- thoracic and lumbar
Parasympathetic nervous system
- Slowly activated dampening system relaxation
- rest and store
- conserve energy
- cranial and sacral
Neurons
Specialized cells for the receptor, conduction and transmission of electrochemical signals
Glia
Cells that provide support,nurture, and insulate neurons, remove debris when neurons die, enhance the formation and maintenance of neural connections, and modify neuronal functioning
Sensory neurons
Carry incoming information from the sense receptors to the CNS
Motor neurons
Carry outgoing information from the CNS to muscles, glands and organs
Interneurons
Connect the 2 neurons
Cell body
Life support center
Dendrites
Receives messages from other cells
Axon
Passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands
Neural impulse
Electrical signal traveling down the axon
Myelin sheath
Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses
Neurogenesis
Production of new neurons from immature stem cells