Skeletal

Afferent signals

Nerve signals that carry information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Efferent signals

Nerve signals that carry information from the central nervous system to effectors such as muscles and glands.

Divisions of the nervous system

The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Depolarization

The process during the action potential when the membrane potential becomes more positive due to the influx of sodium ions.

What changes occur during depolarization?

The charge inside the neuron becomes more positive.

What ions are involved in depolarization?

Sodium ions (Na+) move into the neuron.

How do we reset the cell after depolarization?

The cell resets through repolarization, where potassium ions (K+) exit the neuron.

Neurotransmitters (NTs)

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse between neurons.

What are the two main types of neurotransmitters?

Excitatory neurotransmitters and inhibitory neurotransmitters.

What are the functions of neurotransmitters?

They either stimulate or inhibit the generation of action potentials in target neurons.

How does the ratio of neurotransmitters influence depolarization?

A higher ratio of excitatory neurotransmitters can lead to increased depolarization, while inhibitory neurotransmitters may prevent it.

Parts of a neuron

The main parts of a neuron include the cell body, dendrites, and axon.

How do signals pass within a neuron?

Signals pass within a neuron through electrical impulses along the axon.

How do signals pass between neurons?

Signals pass between neurons at synapses through neurotransmitter release.