Fundamentals of the Nervous System

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts regarding the structure and function of the nervous system, neuron types, action potentials, and synaptic transmission.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What are the primary functions of the nervous system?

Master controller and communicator of the body, sensation, integration, and response.

What structures make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The brain and spinal cord.

What is the function of the sensory division of the PNS?

Conducts impulses from receptors to the CNS.

What is the function of the motor division of the PNS?

Conducts impulses from the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands.

What types of neurons are classified as multipolar?

Neurons with one axon and multiple dendrites, mostly interneurons in the CNS and motor neurons in the PNS.

What are astrocytes?

Support cells in the CNS that connect neurons to capillaries and guide growing neurons.

What is the role of myelination in neurons?

To insulate axon segments, which speeds up the transmission of action potentials.

What occurs during depolarization?

A decrease in membrane potential, typically moving from -70 mV towards +30 mV.

What is an action potential?

A widespread change in membrane potential driven by voltage-gated channels.

What is the purpose of postsynaptic potential summation?

To determine the overall change in membrane potential resulting from multiple synaptic inputs.

How do ion channels function in terms of neurotransmitter binding?

Ionotropic receptors open ion channels when a neurotransmitter binds, while metabotropic receptors cause metabolic changes in the cell.

What is the resting membrane potential and its typical value?

The state of the cell membrane when not active, typically around -70 mV.

What is the difference between EPSP and IPSP?

EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potential) causes graded depolarization, while IPSP (inhibitory postsynaptic potential) causes graded hyperpolarization.