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.
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.