All Flashcards
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.
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.
Explain the concept of reflexes.
Automatic responses controlled by the spinal cord, bypassing the brain initially.
What is the 'all-or-none' response in neurons?
A neuron either fires completely or not at all; there's no partial firing.
Describe the function of sensory neurons.
Carry incoming information from the senses to the CNS.
What is the role of interneurons?
Process information within the CNS.
Explain the function of motor neurons.
Carry outgoing information from the CNS to muscles and glands.
What is the neuron's threshold?
The minimum level of stimulation needed to trigger an action potential.
Explain the difference between electrical and chemical synapses.
Electrical synapses relay quick messages, while chemical synapses send messages slowly.
Describe the role of the spinal cord.
Connects the brain to the rest of the body and handles reflexes.
What is the main function of the brain?
Processing information and making decisions.
Explain the concept of neurotransmission.
The process by which neurons communicate using chemical messengers across the synapse.