Term Quiz 2 Material (Human Physiology Lab)

Cerebrum

brain region responsible for higher mental functions

Cerebral Cortex

characterized by folds and convolutions and five lobes

Thalamus

acts as a primary relay center through which all sensory information passes

Hypothalamus

regulates the pituitary gland and key to homeostasis regulation

Medulla Oblongata

part of the brainstem that contains neural centers for the control of breathing and regulating cardiovascular system

Reflex Arc

neural pathway for involuntary response to stimulus, involving sensory information moving to the CNS and motor information from the CNS

Limbic System

group of brain structures important in memory, control of autonomic function and some emotion and behavior

Sympathetic Division

preganglionic fibers exit spinal cord at thoracic and lumbar portions of spinal cord; fight or flight

Parasympathetic Division

preganglionic fibers exit spinal cord from brainstem and sacral portions of spinal cord; rest and digest

Acetylcholine

functions as a neurotransmitter in somatic nerve and parasympathetic nerve fibers

Ganglion

grouping of nerve cell bodies located outside the brain and spinal cord

Dual Innervation

innervated by sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers

Nicotinic Receptor

receptors for acetylcholine located in autonomic ganglia and neuromuscular junctions.

Muscarinic Receptor

receptors for acetylcholine stimulated by postganglionic parasympathetic neurons.

Biofeedback

Training that allows a significant but limited control over some autonomic responses.

Mass Activation

allows entire sympathetic division to be constantly active to a certain degree, increase activity in response to fight or flight

Norepinephrine

Catecholamine released as a neurotransmitter.

Chemoreceptor

neural receptor that is sensitive to chemical changes

Photoreceptor

sensory cells that respond electrically to light

Thermoreceptor

sensory cells respond to heat and cold

Mechanoreceptor

sensory receptor is stimulated by mechanical means

Nociceptor

receptor for pain stimulated by tissue damage

Referred Pain

pain originating in deep visceral organs that is perceived to be coming from somatic sources

Lateral Inhibition

sharpening of perception that occurs in the neural processing of sensory input

Receptive Field

area of the body when stimulated activates a particular sensory receptor

Stimulus

energy or chemical activating a sensory receptor