Integration of Body Systems & Neural Signaling

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary related to the integration of body systems and neural signaling, focusing on definitions, functions, and processes important for the understanding of biological systems.

System Integration

Coordination and cooperation of different systems within organisms to allow coordinated actions necessary for survival and homeostasis.

Emergent Properties

Properties that emerge as a result of interaction of smaller components; systems must be studied as a whole to understand these properties.

Hierarchy of Organization

Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms arranged in levels from smallest to largest.

Nervous System

System that communicates internally through electrical impulses sent via neurons.

Endocrine System

System that communicates via hormones transported through the bloodstream.

Sensory Neurons

Transmit information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system (CNS).

Motor Neurons

Transmit signals from CNS to muscles and glands resulting in movement responses.

Reflex Arc

Involuntary response involving receptors, sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons, and effectors.

Baroreceptors

Receptors that monitor blood pressure located in the walls of the aorta and carotid arteries.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors located in the walls of the aorta and carotid arteries that monitor blood oxygen concentration and pH.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that prepares the body for vigorous physical activity.

Resting Membrane Potential

Voltage across a neuron's membrane when not transmitting signals, typically around -70 mV.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

Mechanism that actively pumps sodium out of and potassium into a cell to maintain resting potential.

Depolarization

The process of a neuron's membrane potential becoming more positive as sodium ions flow into the cell.

Repolarization

Process of restoring the negative charge inside the neuron after depolarization by allowing potassium ions to exit.

Synapse

Junction between two neurons or between a neuron and an effector cell, through which signals are transmitted.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another or to an effector cell.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter for skeletal muscle contraction found at the neuromuscular junction.

Action Potential

Rapid, temporary change in membrane voltage of a neuron's axon that propagates nerve impulses.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around axons, which speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses.

Peripheral Nervous System

Part of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebral Cortex

Area of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions like learning and memory.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain that coordinates balance, muscle coordination, and voluntary movements.

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that regulates the endocrine system and maintains homeostasis.

Pituitary Gland

Known as the 'master gland,' it secretes hormones into the bloodstream that regulate other endocrine glands.

Hormonal Signaling

Communication via chemical messengers (hormones) released into the bloodstream.

Neural Signaling

Communication via electrical impulses sent along neurons.

Muscle Contraction

Response resulting from signals sent by motor neurons to muscle fibers.

Thermoregulation

Process by which organisms maintain their body temperature within certain boundaries.

Ventilation Rate

Volume of air entering or leaving the lungs during a specified time period.

Pain Reflex Arc

Involuntary response to a painful stimulus that involves a reflex pathway from sensory neurons to motor neurons.

Vagus Nerve

Nerve that decreases heart rate in response to various stimuli.

Sympathetic Nerve

Nerve that increases heart rate, primarily in response to the release of epinephrine.

Feedback Control

Regulatory mechanism whereby the body maintains homeostasis via feedback systems.

Anatomy of the Brain

Structures including the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex that perform various functions.

Resting State

State of a neuron when it is not actively transmitting an impulse.

Threshold Potential

The level of membrane potential that must be reached to initiate an action potential, typically -55 mV.

Refractory Period

Period following an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire another impulse.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Enteric Nervous System

Branch of the autonomic nervous system that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Peristalsis

The involuntary contraction of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract to move food along.

Pulmonary Ventilation

The exchange of air between the lungs and the environment through breathing.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood pumped by the heart per unit of time, typically measured in liters per minute.

Adrenal Glands

Glands that release hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol during stress.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism wherein an output of a process inhibits its own production.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle tissue attached to bones, responsible for movement.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue found in organs and blood vessels.

Striated Muscle

Muscle tissue with a striped appearance, primarily found in skeletal muscles.

Potassium Ions (K+)

Ions that play a key role in repolarization of the neuron.

Sodium Ions (Na+)

Ions that contribute to depolarization during action potentials.

Neural Crest Cells

Cells that migrate from the neural tube to form diverse cell types.

AP (Action Potential) Propagation

The process by which action potentials travel along axons.

Resting Potential Maintenance

Process by which the sodium-potassium pump maintains the neuron's resting membrane potential.

CNS (Central Nervous System)

The brain and spinal cord that process and transmit information.

Biological Response

Responses of organisms to internal or external stimuli.

Electrical Synapses

Connections between neurons that allow direct electrical communication.