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