CHAPTER 9 & 10

Sensory input

Gathering information from the environment as a major aspect of the nervous system.

Integration and processing

Making decisions based on information gathered by the nervous system.

Motor output

The response with actions based on information processed by the nervous system.

Neurons

Cells that send messages using electrical impulses.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells that protect and nourish neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that carry signals between neurons or to other cells.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Includes the brain and spinal cord; handles information processing and decision-making.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Comprises cranial and spinal nerves connecting the CNS to the body.

Somatic nervous system

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic nervous system

Controls involuntary functions of smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands.

Resting Membrane Potential

The charge inside a neuron at rest, typically about -70 mV.

Action Potential

A change in a neuron's membrane potential that leads to the transmission of a nerve impulse.

Saltatory Conduction

Impulse conduction occurring in myelinated axons where impulses jump from node to node.

Synapse

A junction between two communicating neurons.

Presynaptic Neuron

The neuron sending the impulse in synaptic transmission.

Postsynaptic Neuron

The neuron receiving the impulse in synaptic transmission.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that increase the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that decrease the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

Pain receptors (nociceptors)

Specialized receptors that detect tissue damage.

Reflex Arc

The simplest neural pathway that underlies involuntary actions called reflexes.

Meninges

Three membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

Dura Mater

The outermost and toughest layer of the meninges.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions and provides nutrients to the brain and spinal cord.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear responsible for hearing.

Equilibrium

The sense that helps maintain balance and body position.

Photoreceptors

Visual receptor cells in the retina responsible for detecting light.

General senses

Senses that are widely distributed throughout the body, such as touch and pain.

Special senses

Senses that have specialized organs in the head, such as vision and hearing.

Projection

The brain's ability to send the sensation back to its point of origin for localization.