Biology: Psychology/The Nervous System - Term 1

What is the primary role of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The CNS controls the activities of other organs and receives information from all parts of the body.

What are the two major components of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

The PNS includes the autonomic (automatic responses) and somatic (voluntary responses) systems.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment that is comfortable and stable for cells.

What are the three basic functions of neurons?

Neurons receive, process, and communicate information to other cells.

What is a reflex arc?

A reflex arc is a pathway involving only a few neurons (sensory, interneuron, and motor neuron) that allows for quick responses without sending a message to the brain.

What type of feedback most commonly reduces stimuli?

Negative feedback.

What are the three types of neurons and their functions?

1. Sensory/afferent neurons send sensory information to the CNS, 2. Relay/interneurons serve as communication links between neurons, 3. Motor/efferent neurons send motor information from the CNS.

What is the role of neurotransmitters at the synapse?

Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the next neuron's dendrites, triggering the receiving neuron to convert the message into a nerve impulse.

What do mechanoreceptors detect?

Mechanoreceptors detect sound waves, touch, pressure, and pain.

What part of the neuron processes incoming signals?

The soma (cell body) processes incoming signals.

What is memory?

Memory is the ability to recall past sensations, descriptions, thoughts, and knowledge.

What is learning?

Learning is relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge due to experience.

What are the two main types of memory?

Short-term memory stores information temporarily; long-term memory stores information indefinitely.

What are receptors?

Receptors are protein molecules on target cells that bind signaling molecules.

What do receptors detect?

Receptors detect stimuli such as light, sound, touch, taste, smell, and temperature.

What is the role of sensory receptors?

Sensory receptors transduce different forms of energy into electrical signals for processing by the nervous system.