Unit 3 Flashcards
(142 cards)
neuron
cell in the nervous system that receives, integrates, and transmits info
dendrites
branches on the neuron that receives messages from other neurons
soma
is the cell body that contains the cell nucleus
the cell nucleus
is the life support of the neuron
axon
long, thin fiber that transmits signals
Myelin sheath
insulating material that coats axons and speeds transmission of info
Terminal buttons
small knobs that produce neurotransmitters to transmit the neuron’s message
Synapse
small gap between neurons where info is transmitted
Neurotransmitters
chemical messages released from terminal buttons that travel across the synapse to receptors on dendrites of other neuron
Reuptake
the process of reabsorbing unused neurotransmitters
Agonists
a chemical that mimics the action of neurotransmitters causing similar effects
What stops reuptake
agonists
Antagonists
a chemical that opposes the action of a neurotransmitter
gilia cells
cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons
gilia cell duties:
- stores glucose from the blood
- gets rid of waste
- cleans up dead neurons
- provides insulation
what takes up more of our brain: neurons or gilia cells
gilia cells make up a larger portion of our brain than neurons
What kind of system is the nervous system
electro-chemical communication system
What are the 2 main branches of the nervous system
- The Central System
- The Peripheral System
What are the parts of the body that are a part of the Central Nervous System
the brain and spinal cord
What is part of the Peripheral Nervous System
all the other nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
What are the 2 parts of the Peripheral Nervous System
the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system
What are the two parts of the autonomic nervous system
the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
What is the somatic nervous system?
nerves that connect to voluntary skeletal muscles and sensory receptors
What is the autonomic nervous system?
made up of nerves that connect to the heart, blood, vessels, organs, glands