Describe the steps of an action potential.
1. Neuron is at resting potential. 2. Depolarization occurs. 3. Threshold is reached. 4. Action potential is triggered. 5. Repolarization occurs. 6. Resting potential is restored.
What is the process of neurotransmission?
1. Synthesis of neurotransmitters. 2. Release into the synapse. 3. Binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. 4. Signal propagation. 5. Removal of neurotransmitters from the synapse.
Describe the 'fight or flight' response.
1. Threat perceived. 2. Sympathetic nervous system activated. 3. Heart rate increases. 4. Breathing quickens. 5. Adrenaline released. 6. Body prepares for action.
What is the process of the 'rest and digest' response?
1. Threat subsides. 2. Parasympathetic nervous system activated. 3. Heart rate decreases. 4. Breathing slows. 5. Body returns to a calm state.
Describe the steps of a reflex arc.
1. Sensory receptor detects stimulus. 2. Sensory neuron transmits signal to spinal cord. 3. Interneuron processes signal. 4. Motor neuron transmits signal to muscle. 5. Muscle contracts.
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.
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.
