Nervous System 6.2

saltatory conduction

the rapid skipping of an action potential from node to node on myelinated neurons

reflexes

simple, rapid, involuntary, programmed responses to stimuli

autonomic reflexes

involuntary stimuli transmitted to cardiac and smooth muscle

somatic reflexes

involuntary stimuli transmitted to skeletal muscles from neural arcs in the spinal cord

polarized

a condition that occurs when the inside of a cell membrane is more negatively charged than the outside

repolarization

the reestablishment of a polarized state in a cell after depolarization

depolarized

a condition in which the inside of a cell membrane is more positively charged than the outside

conductivity

the ability of a neuron to transmit a nerve impulse

nerve impulse

electrical charge that travels along a nerve fiber when stimulated

refractory period

the time between the completion of the action potential and repolarization