General Nervous System & Neurons

Nervous System

A system of organs and specialized cells that receives information, processes it, and transmits information in the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The core system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The network of nerves branching outside the CNS, consisting of spinal nerves and cranial nerves.

Neurons

Specialized cells responsible for transmitting electrical impulses between sensory organs, the spinal cord, and the brain.

Sensory Neuron

Transports electrical impulses from the surface of the skin / sense organs to the brain and spinal cord.

Inter-neuron (Connector)

Connects sensory neurons and motor neurons within the CNS; sends electrical impulses between neurons.

Motor Neuron

Takes information back from the brain/spinal cord to effector organs like muscles or glands (hand/skin).

Action Potential

The electrical impulse that travels down the axon membrane of a neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released at the axon terminal that cross the synapse to carry impulses to the next neuron.

Stimulus

A change that takes place in your environment (e.g., a sound heard or something touching the skin).

Reflex

An automatic movement or reaction to a stimulus that cannot be controlled consciously.

Gray Matter

Tissue in the spinal cord that interprets incoming information.