Brain Functions

Neurons

basic building blocks of the nervous system which generates electrical activity, communicate with muscles, glands, other neurons

Sensory Neurons

carry input messages fro sense organs to spinal cord and brain

Motor Neurons

transmit messages from brain and spinal cord to muscles and organs

Inter Neurons

connective and associate functions, making mental functions, emotions, and behavior possible

Glial Cells

glue of the nervous system and support typical brain functions

Synapase

contact point between neurons and allows signal from one neuron to another

5 Steps of Neurotransmitters Communication

1. synthesis: neurotransmitters manufactured inside the neuron

2. storage: neurotransmitters stored in synaptic vesicles

3. release: action potential leads to movement of vesicles to axon terminal surface and release of neurotransmitters

4. binding: neurotransmitters bind themselves to sites on receiving neuron’s membrane

5. deactivation: breakdown & reuptake

Central Nervous System (CNS)

brain and spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

nervous system outside of brain and spinal cord, links CNS with sensory receptors, muscles, glands in body

Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

voluntary movement

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

dual system, senses the body’s internal function, controls glands, controls smooth muscles of the heart, blood vessels, stomach, intestines, maintain homeostasis

Sympathetic

activation or arouses function, acts as total unit

Parasympathetic

calms, slows down body processes, maintains tranquility, acts as total unit