Chapter 13: Organization and Control of Neural Function

These flashcards encompass key concepts, definitions, and important terms from the lecture on the organization and control of neural function.

Functions of the Nervous System

Controls skeletal muscle movement, regulates cardiac and visceral smooth muscle activity, enables reception, integration, and perception of sensory information, provides substratum for intelligence, facilitates adjustment to external environment.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of cranial nerves originating from the brain and spinal cord.

Neurons

Functional information-processing cells that include interneurons interspersed between afferent and efferent neurons.

Neuroglial Cells

Protect the nervous system and supply metabolic support.

Dendrites

Multiple, short, branched extensions of a neuron that conduct information toward the cell body.

Axons

A long efferent process that projects from the cell body, providing a conduit for transport of materials.

Myelin

Produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS and Schwann cells in the PNS, used to insulate nerve cells and increase nerve impulse conduction velocity.

Action Potentials

Electrical impulses used by neurons to communicate, caused by movement of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane.

Synaptic Transmission

The process by which neurons communicate through synapses, involving electrical or chemical signals.

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

Partial depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane due to neurotransmitter binding.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

Hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane that decreases its excitability.

Blood–Brain Barrier

A selective permeability barrier that maintains a stable environment for neural function by controlling substance transport between blood and brain.

Regulating, adjusting, and coordinating vital visceral functions

Key roles of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in maintaining homeostasis.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Division of the ANS that excites visceral function and responds to critical threats (fight-or-flight response).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Division of the ANS that inhibits visceral functions and conserves energy during inactivity.

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter for all preganglionic neurons in both ANS divisions and for postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic system.

Norepinephrine and Epinephrine

Neurotransmitters used by sympathetic postganglionic neurons.