Chp 2 Flashcards
Synapse
Junction between axon tip and dendrite of receiving neuron
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers between neuron, generating neural imulse
Reuptake
A neurotransmitters reabsorption by the sending neuron
Action Potential
A neural impulse: a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
Threshold
The level of stimulation required to trigger an neural impulse
endorphins
natural, opioid-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and pleasure
Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord
peripheral nervous system
the sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body
nerves
bundled axons that form neural “cables” connecting the central nervous system to with muscles, glands and sense organs.
sensory neurons
neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.
motor neurons
neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord tp the musles and glands.
interneurons
neurons within the brain and psinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs
somatic nervous system
the division of the peripheral nervous system that ocntrols the body’s skeletal muscles
autonomic nervous system
the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the gland and the muscles of the internal organs.
sympathertic nervous system
the division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body , mobilizing its energy in stressful situations.
para sympathetic nervous system
the divison of teh autonomic nervous system that calms the body
adrenal glands
a pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones that help arouse the body in times of stress.
pituitary gland
the endocrine systems’ most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalimus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands
brainstem
automatic survival functions
medulla
hearbeat and breathing
thalamus
brain sensory switchbord, Directs messages to sensory reciving areas
reticular formation
controls arousal
cerebellum
“little brain” sensory output, coordinating movement and balance.
limbic system
emotions and drives
