The Nervous System Flashcards
Central nervous system
The brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
The nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body
Neurons
Nerve cells that make up the nervous system
Nerves
Neurons grouped together
Sensory neurons
Carries the impulse generated by the stimulus to the central nervous system
Interneurons
Carries the impulse through the central nervous system
Motor neurons
Carries the impulse to effectors such as muscles or glands
Reflex action
An action that is carried out quickly and are done without thinking
Conscious response
An action that you need to think to do
Cell body
Contains the nucleus of a neuron
Dendrites
Structure that relays information towards the cell body of a neuron
Axon
An appendage of the neuron that nervous impulses travel along to the next neuron or to an effector.
Myelin
A fatty, white substance that encases the axons of the neurons in the nervous system.
Synapse
A gap between neurons
Neurotransmitter
The brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body.
What is the stimulus-response model?
Stimulus -> Receptor -> Control Centre -> Effector -> Response
Homeostasis
The process of the body keeping certain factors within narrow limits (e.g. Body temperature)
Somatic nervous system
Collects information through sensory organs. It also coordinates movement of the body.
Autonomic nervous system
Controls unconscious reactions and regulates bodily function
Nerve impulse
The electrical message carried by a nerve cell
Synaptic cleft
A small space the separates two neurons (also known as a synapse)
Synaptic transmission
The process that neurons use to communicate
Name the four receptors and give an example
Photoreceptors:eye
Thermoreceptors:heat, skin
Chemoreceptors: nose, tongue
Mechanoreceptors:pressure, ear, tooth
Negative feedback vs positive feedback
Negative feedback is when the body fights the problem, whereas the positive feedback is when the body amplifies the effect to prevent it from becoming an issue.
What is the cerebrum and what is its function?
The largest part of the brain, and it is the most important, controlling the senses as well as speech, emotions, and learning.
What is the cerebellum and what is its function?
The part that sits under the cerebrum, and it coordinates movement and balance.
What is the brain stem and its function?
It connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord. It also performs automatic functions including heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.
Endocrine system
A system in the body in which hormones are transported, transformed and developed over a long period of time.
