The Nervous System and Neural Communication

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the components, pathways, and receptor types of the human nervous system based on lecture notes.

Neuron

A specialized nerve cell that transmits electrical messages throughout the body.

Nerve Impulse

An electrical message sent by a neuron.

Cell Body

The structural portion of a neuron that contains the membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.

Dendrite

A branching structure extending from the neuron cell body that receives messages from other neurons.

Myelin Sheath

An insulating layer that covers and protects a neuron.

Nerve

A bundle of nerve cells that carries information around the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The main control centre of the body consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing incoming information and sending out signals to coordinate actions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The network of nerves that branch off from the brain and spinal cord to connect the CNS to muscles, glands, receptors, and organs.

Spinal Cord

The central nerve tract that conveys commands from the brain to major nerves, routes sensory information upward for processing, and manages reflex responses.

Cerebrum

The brain region responsible for conscious thoughts, receiving sensory messages from body parts, and directing voluntary movements.

Cerebellum

The region of the brain responsible for coordination and balance.

Brain Stem

The area where the spinal cord enters the skull that controls vital bodily functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Chemoreceptor

A sensory receptor that detects changes in chemical concentrations, such as tastes on the tongue and smells in the nose.

Mechanoreceptor

A sensory receptor that detects physical touch and pressure changes, such as sound waves vibrating the ear drum or contact on a fingertip.

Thermoreceptor

A sensory receptor that detects temperature changes, such as feeling hot or cold surfaces with a finger.

Photoreceptor

A sensory receptor in the eyes that detects visual light changes to form images processed by the brain.

Stimulus

Any environmental factor or change that brings about a response in an organism.

Receptor

A specialized sensory cell that detects external or internal stimuli and delivers the information to sensory neurons.

Afferent Pathway

The neural pathway that conducts sensory information from sensory receptors up to the brain for processing.

Efferent Pathway

The neural pathway by which the brain transmits motor commands outward to muscles, organs, and glands.

Effector

A muscle, organ, or gland that receives information from motor neurons and responds accordingly.

Reflex

A rapid, automatic response mediated by the spinal cord that protects the body from danger.