The Nervous System Flashcards
Describe the CNS
it includes the spine and brain. The CNS receives messages from the body, processes it, then sends out messages telling the body on how to respond
Describe the PNS
it includes the nervous system outwards of the spine. Contains nerves that carry messages to and from the CNS
Describe the sensory neuron
carries messages to and from the sense organs to the CNS
Describe the motor neuron
sends signals from CNS to muscles and from the CNS to the effectors
Describe the connector neuron
joins sensory neurons and motor neurons
how does information travel from one axon to the dendrite of the next
Neurotransmitters cross the synapse between the axon and dendrites which slow the message so it can be processed. The NT is then collected by receptors of the dendrites in the next nerve cell.
Describe the function of the myelin sheath
The myelin sheath wraps around the axon it is fatty and white. It speeds up the electric signal
Describe the difference between grey matter and white matter
White matter is located on the inside whereas the gray matter is located on the outside.
What are the three main functions of the cerebrum
controlling conscious thoughts, voluntary, movement and it receives sensory messages
What is the main function of the cerebellum
co-ordination and balance
What is the main function of the brainstem
controls bodys vital functions (blood pressure, breathing, heart rate)
Describe the normal neural pathway involved in responding to stimuli
In response to the stimuli the receptors send the message straight to the brain from the muscle to be processed. Then a effectors relay the response back to the muscle to tell it to contract.
Define the term reflex
an action that is performed without conscious thought as a response to a stimulus.
Explain why reflexes are important
Reflexes are important so we can remove ourselves from danger without thinking about it and telling our selves to.
