Functions of the Nervous System Flashcards
What are the four major functions of the nervous system?
- Reception
- Transmission
- Interpretation
- Response
What are receptors?
Sensory neurons that detect stimuli such as light, sound and smell
What are chemoreceptors?
Receptors that detect chemicals in the environment
Where can we find chemoreceptors?
Chemoreceptors are present on the tongue, in the nose, in the intestines, and in the carotid arteries
What are baroreceptors?
Receptors which detect pressure
Where can we find baroreceptors?
The receptors are present in the stomach, bladder, and alveoli. Sphincters are baroreceptors as well
What are osmoreceptors?
Receptors which detect water loss in cells/changes in osmotic pressure
Where can we find osmoreceptors?
Osmoreceptors are present in the hypothalamus of the brain
What are mechanoreceptors?
Receptors which detect physical stimulation such as pressure and vibrations
What are pain receptors?
Receptors which detect chemicals such as kinins when cells are damaged
What are nocireceptors?
A type of pain receptor
What are thermoreceptors?
Receptors which detect heat
What are photoreceptors?
Receptors which detect light
Where are photoreceptors found?
Photoreceptors are present in the eyes
What are exteroreceptors?
Receptors which interact with the outside environment
