All Flashcards
Describe the steps of an action potential.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.