All Flashcards
Compare the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic: 'fight or flight,' increases heart rate. Parasympathetic: 'rest and digest,' decreases heart rate.
Compare sensory and motor neurons.
Sensory: carry info to the CNS. Motor: carry info from the CNS to muscles/glands.
Compare electrical and chemical synapses.
Electrical: fast, direct connection. Chemical: slower, uses neurotransmitters.
Compare the CNS and PNS.
CNS: brain and spinal cord, processing center. PNS: connects CNS to the rest of the body.
Compare the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Somatic: controls voluntary movements. Autonomic: controls involuntary functions.
Compare afferent and efferent neurons.
Afferent neurons carry signals towards the CNS, while efferent neurons carry signals away from the CNS.
How is the sympathetic nervous system involved in public speaking?
It increases heart rate and alertness, preparing the body for the stressful situation.
How does the parasympathetic nervous system help after exercise?
It slows the heart rate and promotes relaxation, helping the body recover.
How do sensory neurons help when cooking?
They transmit information about taste, smell, and temperature to the brain.
How do motor neurons function when playing a musical instrument?
They carry signals from the brain to the muscles, enabling precise movements.
How do interneurons contribute to problem-solving?
They process information within the brain, allowing for decision-making and reasoning.
How does understanding neurotransmitters help in treating depression?
Medications can target specific neurotransmitters to improve mood.
How does the concept of action potential relate to pain management?
Blocking action potentials can reduce pain signals.
How is the autonomic nervous system involved in digestion?
It controls the involuntary processes of digestion, such as stomach contractions and enzyme release.
How does the somatic nervous system enable sports activities?
It controls voluntary muscle movements, allowing for running, jumping, and throwing.
How is the understanding of synapses important in drug development?
Drugs can be designed to affect neurotransmitter release or receptor binding at the synapse.
What is the effect of sympathetic nervous system activation?
Increased heart rate, faster breathing, and heightened alertness.
What is the effect of parasympathetic nervous system activation?
Decreased heart rate, slower breathing, and relaxation.
What is the effect of damage to the spinal cord?
Loss of motor control and sensation below the injury site.
What is the effect of neurotransmitter imbalance?
Can lead to various psychological disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
What is the effect of a strong stimulus on a neuron?
Triggers an action potential if the threshold is reached.
What is the effect of blocking neurotransmitter reuptake?
Increased concentration of the neurotransmitter in the synapse, prolonging its effects.
What is the effect of myelin sheath damage?
Slower or disrupted nerve impulse transmission.
What is the effect of a neuron not reaching its threshold?
No action potential is generated; the neuron does not fire.
What is the effect of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?
Decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing.
What is the effect of an excitatory neurotransmitter?
Increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing.