[2] Biological Basis of Behavior [Nervous System] Flashcards
(34 cards)
Central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord; processes information and controls responses.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
All nerves outside the CNS; connects the CNS to the body.
Autonomic nervous system
Controls involuntary bodily functions like heartbeat and digestion.
Sympathetic nervous system
Prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses.
Parasympathetic nervous system
Calms the body and restores energy after a threat.
Somatic nervous system
Controls voluntary muscle movements and sensory info.
Neurons
Nerve cells that transmit electrical signals in the brain and body.
Glial cells
Support cells that nourish and protect neurons.
Reflex arc
A simple, automatic response to a stimulus involving only the spinal cord.
Sensory neurons
Carry signals from sensory receptors to the CNS.
Motor neurons
Carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.
Interneurons
Connect neurons within the CNS to process information.
Neural transmission
The process of sending signals between neurons.
Action potential
A neural impulse; an electrical charge that travels down an axon.
All-or-nothing principle
A neuron either fires completely or not at all.
Depolarization
The process where a neuron becomes less negative and fires.
Refractory period
A short time after firing when a neuron cannot fire again.
Resting potential
The negative charge inside a neuron when it is not firing.
Reuptake
The reabsorption of neurotransmitters back into the sending neuron.
Threshold
The minimum level of stimulation needed for a neuron to fire.
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
A disease where the immune system attacks myelin sheaths.
Myasthenia gravis
A chronic condition causing muscle weakness due to problems at the neuromuscular junction.
Excitatory neurotransmitters
Chemicals that increase the likelihood of a neuron firing.
