Anatomy and Physiology I Nervous System

What are the main functions of the nervous system?

Detect, process, and respond to stimuli to maintain homeostasis.

What is a neuron?

A cell that detects, processes, and transmits information.

Function of dendrites?

Receive stimuli.

Function of soma?

Integrates and processes information.

Function of axon hillock?

Initiates action potential.

Function of axon?

Conducts action potential.

Function of axon terminal?

Releases neurotransmitters.

What is a synapse?

Communication site between cells.

What happens at a synapse?

Electrical signal → chemical → electrical.

CNS components?

Brain and spinal cord.

PNS components?

Nerves, ganglia, sensory receptors.

What is a tract?

Bundle of axons in CNS.

What is a nerve?

Bundle of axons in PNS.

Sensory (afferent) function?

Carries info to CNS.

Motor (efferent) function?

Carries commands from CNS.

Somatic sensory system?

Detects external stimuli (touch, pain).

Visceral sensory system?

Detects internal conditions.

Somatic motor system?

Controls skeletal muscles.

Autonomic motor system?

Controls organs involuntarily.

Sympathetic division?

Fight or flight.

Parasympathetic division?

Rest and digest.

What is homeostasis?

Maintaining stable internal conditions.

What is an action potential?

Electrical signal in a neuron.

What is a neurotransmitter?

Chemical messenger between cells.

What are ganglia?

Clusters of neuron cell bodies in PNS.