All Flashcards
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.
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.
Define 'nervous system'.
The body's communication network using electrical and chemical signals.
What is the 'Central Nervous System (CNS)'?
The brain and spinal cord; the main processing center.
Define 'Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)'.
Connects the CNS to the rest of the body.
What is the 'Somatic Nervous System'?
Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
Define 'Autonomic Nervous System'.
Controls automatic functions of internal organs.
What is the 'Sympathetic Nervous System'?
The 'fight or flight' system; prepares the body for action.
Define 'Parasympathetic Nervous System'.
The 'rest and digest' system; calms the body down.
What are 'Neurons'?
Basic building blocks of the nervous system; transmit information.
Define 'Action Potential'.
Electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron.
What are 'Neurotransmitters'?
Chemical messengers that travel across the synapse.
Define 'Synapse'.
The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
What is 'Depolarization'?
The process of the neuron becoming more positive, allowing the action potential to travel.