Overview of the Nervous System and Action Potentials

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the nervous system, neurons, action potentials, and synaptic transmission, which will help in the study for the exam.

Nervous System

Controls perception, voluntary movement, and regulates homeostasis.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; integrates information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Links CNS to the rest of the body through cranial and spinal nerves.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that do not conduct impulses.

Astrocyte

A type of neuroglial cell that anchors neurons and regulates the extracellular environment.

Oligodendrocyte

Neuroglial cell that myelinates axons in the CNS.

Action Potential

Uniform rapid depolarization and repolarization of the membrane potential.

Refractory Period

Time following an action potential when a neuron cannot generate another action potential.

Depolarization

Phase when sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the cell.

Repolarization

Phase when potassium channels open, allowing potassium ions to exit the cell.

Chemical Synapse

Synapse where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons.

Presynaptic Neuron

Neuron that sends the message in a synapse.

Postsynaptic Neuron

Neuron that receives the message in a synapse.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers released from presynaptic neurons to transmit signals.

Synaptic Transmission

Process of transferring chemical or electrical signals between neurons.

Local Anesthetic

Drugs like lidocaine that block sodium channels to inhibit pain transmission.