Human Biology 4.1 Nerves

Nerves

bundles of motor and sensory axons

Myelin Sheath

insulating layer around nerves

allows action potential to propagate faster

Schwann Cells

glial cells that compose the myelin sheath through the peripheral nervous system

Reflex Arc

pathway that facilitates an involuntary and immediate response to stimuli

Synapse

connection point between two neurons

Central Nervous System

contains brain and spinal cord only

Peripheral Nervous System

contains all nerves outside of brain and spinal cord, connects to rest of body

Innate Reflexes

reflexes you are born with

Acquired Reflexes

reflexes that are learned over time

Somatic Reflexes

reflexes that target skeletal muscle tissue

Autonomic Reflexes

reflexes that target cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, or glandular tissue

Monosynaptic Reflexes

reflexes that have one synapse and two neurons

Polysynaptic Reflex

reflexes that have more than one synapse and three or more neurons

Spinal Reflexes

reflexes that are processed in the spine

Cranial Reflexes

reflexes that are processed in the brain