4. Nervous System Flashcards
Neurons may be classified according to their ______ or ______
structure or function
Name the three functional classifications of neurons
sensory (afferent)
motor (efferent)
interneurons (association)
Define sensory neurons
cell body outside the CNS
unipolar in PNS
carry info from receptors to CNS
Define motor neurons
cell body inside CNS
multipolar
carry info from CNS to viscera/muscles/glands
The two characteristics of neurons are:
irritability & conductivity
Irritability
ability to respond to stimuli
Conductivity
ability to transmit electrical impulses
Membrane potential
difference in electrical charge across membrane
Action potential
nerve impulse, signal sent along axon of neuron
The plasma membrane of a resting neuron is ______
polarised
Polarised membrane:
more positive + on outside, more negative - on inside
Main intracellular positive ions:
potassium
Main extracellular positive ions:
sodium
Stimulus changes the permeability of the membrane to create an _______
action potential
Examples of stimuli able to excite neurons and generate action potential:
light, sound, heat, pressure, neurotransmitters