Chapter 2 - Brain and Behaviour: The Nerve Impulse, Nerves and Neurons, Neural Networks, and The Spinal Cord

Vocabulary flashcards covering nerve impulses, nerves and neurons, neural networks, divisions of the nervous system, and the spinal cord based on Chapter 2 lecture notes.

Resting Potential

Electrical charge of an inactive neuron

Threshold

Trigger point for a neuron's firing

Action Potential

Nerve impulse

Negative After-Potential

When a neuron is less willing to fire

Nerves

Large bundles of axons and dendrites

Myelin

Fatty layer of tissue that coats axons

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Occurs when myelin layer is destroyed; numbness, weakness, and paralysis occur

Neurilemma

Thin layer of cells wrapped around axons outside brain and spinal cord; forms a tunnel where damaged fibers go as they repair themselves

Neurogenesis

Production of new brain cells

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All parts of the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord

Somatic System

Links spinal cord with body and sense organs; controls voluntary behaviour

Autonomic System

Serves internal organs and glands; controls automatic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure

Sympathetic

Arouses body; emergency system

Parasympathetic

Quiets body; most active after an emotional event

Spinal Nerves

31 of them; carry sensory and motor messages to and from the spinal cord

Cranial Nerves

12 pairs that leave the brain directly; also work to communicate messages

Reflex Arc

The simplest behaviour, in which a stimulus provokes an automatic response