Nervous System Functions and Components

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the functions, structures, and components of the nervous system.

Sensory input

The process of gathering input from stimuli and detecting changes inside and outside the body using receptors.

Integration

The processing and interpretation of sensory input to make decisions.

Motor output

Response to stimuli by activating effector organs, such as muscles or glands.

CNS (Central Nervous System)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing information.

PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)

Includes all the nerves that carry information to and from the CNS.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary actions, affecting smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic system that promotes 'rest and digest' responses.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist and protect neurons.

Action potential

An electrical signal that travels along the neuron, involving depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters transmit signals across.

Excitatory neurotransmitters

Chemicals that promote depolarization and action potentials, such as glutamate.

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Chemicals that cause hyperpolarization, calming the mind and body, such as GABA.

Flex arc

A neural pathway that connects a sensory receptor to a motor neuron.

Meninges

Three protective layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.

Cranial nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that primarily serve the head and neck, each with specific functions.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain responsible for coordinating muscle movements and balance.

Limbic system

A set of structures in the brain involved in emotions, motivation, and memory.

Reticular formation

A network of neurons that regulates consciousness, alertness, and sleep-wake cycles.

Gray matter

Regions of the brain containing neuron cell bodies, primarily found in the cerebral cortex.

White matter

Brain tissue composed of myelinated axons that connect different brain areas.