Nervous System and Neural Communication

These flashcards cover the concepts of the nervous system, neural communication, neurotransmitters, and the endocrine system as discussed in the lecture.

Nervous System

A network of billions of cells in your brain and body responsible for all aspects of thought, feeling, and action.

Central Nervous System

Contains nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord; organizes and evaluates information.

Peripheral Nervous System

Contains nerve cells outside of the brain and spinal cord; intercepts signals from the CNS.

Neuron

Basic unit of the nervous system that allows you to think and act.

Dendrites

Short, branchlike parts of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Cell Body

Collects information and sends signals to the axon.

Axon

Carries information between the brain and other locations.

Terminal Buttons

Release chemical signals from neurons to the synapse.

Synapse

The tiny gap between the sending neuron and the dendrites of the receiving neurons where communication occurs.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that cross the synaptic gap to transmit signals between neurons.

Transmission Phase

The phase of neural communication where electrical signals travel along the axon and neurotransmitters are released.

Reception Phase

The phase of neural communication where dendrites receive signals.

Integration Phase

The phase where neurons access and integrate information.

Resting State

The state of a neuron where the inside is more negatively charged than the outside.

Action Potential

A process that occurs when neurons receive stimulation, leading to a positively charged inside.

Refractory Period

The phase when a neuron returns to a resting state after an action potential.

Myelin Sheath

Insulates some axons in the nervous system, allowing for faster movement of action potentials.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A condition that affects neural communication, leading to symptoms like loss of senses and balance issues, due to the deterioration of the myelin sheath.

Presynaptic Neuron

The neuron that sends the signal.

Postsynaptic Neuron

The neuron that receives the signal.

Excitatory Signals

Signals that increase the likelihood of an action potential occurring in a neuron.

Inhibitory Signals

Signals that decrease the likelihood of an action potential occurring in a neuron.

Agonists

Substances that act as fake neurotransmitters, increasing alertness and affecting motor coordination.

Antagonists

Substances that bind with receptors to block the action of neurotransmitters.

Somatic Nervous System

The subdivision of the PNS responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

The subdivision of the PNS responsible for involuntary control of organs, glands, and cardiac muscles.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and restores the body after stress.

Endocrine System

A communication network that influences body functions, working with the nervous system to regulate activities.

Hormones

Chemicals released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands that travel throughout the body.