Chapter 3 Terms Flashcards
Neurons
Cells in the nervous system that communicate with one another to perform information-processing tasks.
Cell Body (or soma)
The part of a neuron that coordinates information-processing tasks and keep the cell alive.
Dendrite
The part of a neuron that receives information from other neurons and relays it to the cell body.
Axon
The part of a neuron that carries information to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Synapse
The junction or region between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another.
Myelin Sheath
An insulating layer of fatty material.
Glial cells
Support cells found in the nervous system.
Resting Potential
The difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a neuron’s cell membrane.
Action Potential
An electric signal that is conducting along a neuron’s axon to a synapse.
Refractory Period
The time following an action potential during which a new action potential cannot be initiated.
Terminal Buttons
Knoblike structures that branch out from an axon.
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that transmit information across the synapse to a receiving neuron’s dedrites.
Receptors
Parts of the cell membrane that receive the neurotransmitter and initiate or prevent a new electrical signal.
Agonists
Drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter.
Antagonists
Drugs that block the function of a neurotransmitter.
Nervous System
An interacting network of neurons that conveys electrochemical information throughout the body.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The part of the nervous system that us composed of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the body’s organs and muscles.
Somatic Nervous System
A set of nerves that conveys information between voluntary muscles and the central nervous system.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
A set of nerves that carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs, and glands.
Sympathetic Nervous System
A set of nerves that prepares the body for action in challenging or threatening situations. (Fight or Flight)
Parasympathetic Nervous System
A set of nerves that helps the body return to a normal resting state.
Spinal Reflexes
Simple pathways in the nervous system that rapidly generate muscle contractions.
Hindbrain
The area of the brain that coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord.