Terms And Definitions Flashcards
Nerves
Bundles of neuron axons and their coverings which are found outside the CNS
Ganglia
Collections of neuron cell bodies which are found outside the CNS.
Spinal nerves
Nerves that originate from the spinal cord
Cranial nerves
Nerves that originate from the brain.
Afferent neurons
Neurons that transmit action potentials from the sensory organs to the CNS.
Efferent Neurons
Neurons that transmit action potentials from the CNS to the effector organs.
Somatic motor nervous system
PNS neurons that transmit action potentials from the CNS to the skeletal muscles.
Autonomic Nervous System
PNS neurons that transmit action potentials from the CNS to smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands.
Sympathetic division
Division of the ANS that generally prepares the body for increased energy expenditure.
Parasympathetic division
Division of the ANS that regulates resting, urination, and defecation.
Association neuron
A neuron that conducts action potentials from one neuron to another neuron within the CNS.
Excitability
The ability to undergo an action potential in response to a stimulus
Potential difference
A measure of the charge difference across the cell membrane
Action potential
An interruption of the resting potential of -85 mV
A stimulus strong enough to create an action potential
Threshold stimulus
