Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to behavioral neuroscience, specifically focusing on the motor system, muscle innervation, muscle contraction mechanisms, types of neuromuscular disorders, and reflexes.

Motor system

The neural pathways responsible for controlling muscle movements.

Neuromuscular Junction

The synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber.

Striated Muscle

A type of muscle found in the heart and skeletal muscles that is characterized by a striped appearance.

CNS

Central nervous system, responsible for processing information and controlling behavior.

Peristalsis

The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Triceps Brachii

A muscle on the back of the upper arm responsible for extension of the elbow.

Alpha Motor Neurons

Neurons that send signals to muscles to trigger contraction.

Gamma Motor Neurons

Neurons that innervate muscle spindles and regulate muscle tone.

Motor Unit

A single alpha motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates.

Spinal Cord

A long, tubular bundle of nervous tissue that extends from the brain and carries signals to and from the body.

Muscle Innervation

The supply of nerves to a muscle or organ.

Temporal Summation

The process where multiple signals from a neuron result in a stronger contraction.

EPP

End plate potential; the depolarization of the muscle fiber membrane at the neuromuscular junction.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in muscle contraction and neuromuscular transmission.

Sarcoplasmic Reticulum

A specialized endoplasmic reticulum that stores calcium ions in muscle cells.

Myofibrils

Basic rod-like units of a muscle cell responsible for contraction.

Tropomyosin

A protein that blocks the interaction of actin and myosin in muscle contraction.

Troponin

A protein that binds calcium and facilitates muscle contraction.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of the skeletal muscles.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

A genetic disorder characterized by progressive weakening of muscles.

Strength Training

A form of exercise designed to improve muscular strength and endurance.

Calcium Channels

Protein structures in cell membranes that allow calcium ions to enter the cell.

Spinal Reflexes

Automatic responses to stimuli that involve the spinal cord.

Myotatic Reflex

A reflex that helps maintain muscle length and prevents strains.

Reverse Myotatic Reflex

A reflex that prevents excessive muscle tension.

Reciprocal Inhibition

A process whereby the activation of one muscle group inhibits the activity of its antagonists.

Flexor Reflex

A protective reflex that withdraws a limb from a painful stimulus.

Crossed-Extensor Reflex

A reflex that stabilizes the body during withdrawal of a limb, activating extensor muscles on the opposite side.

Motor Neuron Pool

The group of alpha motor neurons that innervate a single muscle.

Excitotoxicity

Cell death caused by excessive stimulation of neurons.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that helps to remove unnecessary or damaged cells.

Inhibitory Interneuron

A type of neuron that inhibits the activity of other neurons.

Alpha Motor Neurons

Neurons responsible for contracting skeletal muscles.

Isometric Contraction

Muscle contraction where tension is produced without changing muscle length.

Isotonic Contraction

Muscle contraction where tension remains constant as muscle length changes.

Contraction Cycle

The process of muscle shortening, initiated by calcium and ATP.

Z Line

Structural features of myofibrils that anchor actin filaments.

Sarcolemma

The membrane surrounding a muscle fiber.

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

A receptor that responds to acetylcholine and is involved in muscle contraction.

Mitochondria

Organelles that generate energy for muscle contraction.

Sarcomere

The basic structural unit of a myofibril in a muscle.

Calcium Release

Triggering of muscle contraction by the release of calcium ions.

End Plate Potential (EPP)

A local depolarization of the muscle fiber at the neuromuscular junction.

Muscle Spindle

Sensory receptors located in muscles that detect stretch.

Extrafusal Fibers

Muscle fibers that contract to generate force.

Intrafusal Fibers

Modified muscle fibers found in muscle spindles.

Gamma Motor Neurons

Motor neurons that adjust the sensitivity of muscle spindles.

Neuromuscular Disorder

A condition that affects the nerves controlling voluntary muscles.