Introduction, foundations of physiological recording

Neuron

The body's main communication cell that sends and receives electrical signals

Dendrites

The "antennas" of the neuron that catch incoming signals from other cells

Axon

The long fiber that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body

Synapse

The tiny gap between neurons where signals are exchanged

Afferent Neurons

Sensory neurons that carry signals from the body (periphery) toward the brain (CNS)

Efferent Neurons

Motor neurons that carry signals from the brain (CNS) out to the body (periphery)

Interneurons

Neurons in the CNS responsible for organizing and processing information

Ganglia

Clusters of sensory receptors and nerve cell bodies in the Peripheral Nervous System

Sympathetic NS

The stress response "fight or flight" mode that uses energy to handle challenges

Parasympathetic NS

The relaxation response "rest and digest" mode that calms the body and stores energy

Baseline (Tonic)

The normal level your body is at right before something happens

Evoked Response (Phasic)

A quick physiological change caused by a known trigger

Spontaneous Change

A physiological change where the trigger is unknown

Law of Initial Values

The principle that a higher starting baseline typically results in a smaller response to a stimulus