The peripheral nervous system

Peripheral Nervous System

Consists of nerves linking the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Sensory neurons

Carry information from all parts of the body to the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Motor neurons

Carry information from the CNS to the effectors.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements.

Reflex Arc

A neural circuit that bypasses the brain to enable immediate responses to stimuli.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary actions and regulates internal organs.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for stress and triggers the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Restores the body to normal after a stressful situation and promotes relaxation.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle contraction and regulates various bodily functions.

Fight or flight response

A physiological reaction that prepares the body to either fight or flee from a perceived threat.

Epinephrine

A hormone released by the adrenal glands during stress that increases heart rate and energy.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and coordinating activity.

Dendrites

Extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long part of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Synapse

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released to communicate signals.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds up the transmission of electrical signals.

Glial cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist and protect neurons.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflex actions that involve the contraction of skeletal muscles.

Visceral Reflexes

Reflex actions that involve the regulation of internal organs.

Neurodegenerative diseases

Disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system.

Sensory Processing

The process by which the brain interprets and organizes sensory information.

Reflexive Behavior

Automatic responses to stimuli that do not require conscious thought.

Neural Network

A group of interconnected neurons that process and transmit information.

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought and action.

Cerebellum

A part of the brain that regulates balance and coordination of movement.

Brain Stem

The part of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic life functions.

Action Potential

A brief electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron.

Neurotransmission

The process of sending signals across synapses through neurotransmitters.

Synaptic Plasticity

The ability of synapses to change their strength and efficiency in response to increases or decreases in activity.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.

Anxiety Disorders

A group of mental health disorders characterized by excessive fear or worry.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps patients change negative thought patterns.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brain stem that controls vital functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Hippocampus

A region of the brain involved in memory formation and learning.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

Chronic Pain

Pain that persists over a long period, often due to injury or illness.