The Nervous System Flashcards
(303 cards)
What is the nervous system in charge of?
interaction between the body and the environment
What is the nervous system the main coordinator of?
body functions
What additional system does the nervous system work alongside with in order to coordinate body functions?
endocrine system
What are the 2 main components of the nervous system?
central and peripheral
What do neurons communicate between?
themselves and with other cells
What signals do neurons use to communicate between themselves and other cells?
electrical and chemical signals
What so dendrites do?
receive information that signals to the specific neurone
What is an axon?
pathway through which neurone signals to the next one in the chain
What do presynaptic terminals face into?
the synapse
Why are neurons excitable?
membranes have charges which change when they become activated and generate action potential
What is meant by directional flow of charge?
neurons only allow charge to flow in one direction through them
How do neurones communicate with each other and target cells using chemicals?
they release small quantities of chemical across the synaptic cleft from a presynaptic neurone to the post synaptic cell
What is the name of the chemicals used across synapses?
neurotransmitters/transmitters
Where are neurotransmitters stored?
vesicles in the presynaptic cell
What do synapses enable?
quick transfer of signal
How do synapses help with directional flow?
neurotransmitters only move one way
What are afferent neurons?
neurons towards the brain
What are efferent neurons?
neurons moving away from the brain towards effectors
What do interneurones do?
receive signals and process them within the brain or peripheral ganglia
How are structures which receive/process sensory information located anatomically in relation to structures that control efferent output?
posterior
What is the CNS composed of?
brain and spinal chord
What divisions is the PNS composed of?
afferent and efferent divisions
What are the 3 branches of the afferent division of the PNS?
somatic sensory, visceral sensory (autonomic), special sensory
What are the 2 branches of the efferent division of the PNS?
somatic motor, autonomic (visceral)