Human Response to the Environment - Nervous System

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the human response to the environment, specifically focusing on the nervous system, sensory processes, and associated disorders.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system made up of cranial and spinal nerves.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the PNS that controls involuntary actions.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the PNS that controls voluntary muscles.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that returns the body to rest.

Neuron

A single nerve cell that transmits impulses.

Synapse

A functional connection between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron.

Reflex Arc

The pathway along which an impulse is transmitted to bring about a response to a stimulus.

Sensory Neuron

Transmits impulses from receptors to the central nervous system.

Motor Neuron

Transmits impulses from the central nervous system to effectors (muscles and glands).

Interneuron

Connects a sensory neuron to a motor neuron within the central nervous system.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

A watery fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Alzheimer's Disease

A neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive brain cell death.

Multiple Sclerosis

A disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering neurons, impairing function.

Accommodation (in the eye)

The ability of the eye to alter the shape of the lens for clear vision at different distances.

Pupillary Mechanism

The process by which the diameter of the pupil is altered to control light entering the eye.

Astigmatism

Uneven curvature of the lens or cornea, resulting in distorted images.

Cataracts

Condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, obstructing vision.

Organ of Corti

Structure in the cochlea that converts sound stimuli into nerve impulses.

Hearing Defects

Conditions that lead to partial or total hearing loss.

Mechanoreceptors

Receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion.

Eustachian Tube

The passage connecting the ear to the back of the nose to equalize pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

Ossicles

Three tiny bones in the middle ear that amplify sound.