Organization and Control of Neural Function

A collection of vocabulary flashcards pertaining to the Organization and Control of Neural Function, summarizing key concepts from the lecture.

Functions of the Nervous System

Controls skeletal muscle movement and regulates cardiac and visceral smooth muscle activity.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord, protected by the skull and vertebral column.

Peripheral Nervous System

Located outside the CNS, it relays information to the CNS and transmits output to effector organs.

Sensory (Afferent) Division

Composed of sensory neurons that conduct signals from receptors to the CNS.

Motor (Efferent) Division

Composed of motor neurons that conduct signals from the CNS to effectors.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary body responses.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements.

Sympathetic Division

Mobilizes body systems for 'fight or flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Division

Conserves energy through 'rest and digest' responses.

Afferent Neurons

Carry information to the CNS.

Efferent Neurons

Carry information from the CNS to effector organs.

Oligodendrocytes

Form myelin segments around multiple neurons in the CNS.

Astrocytes

Maintain homeostasis and regulate synaptic activity in the CNS.

Microglial Cells

Phagocytotic cells that clean up debris in the CNS.

Ependymal Cells

Line the ventricular system in the CNS.

Action potentials

The movement of electrical charge along the axon membrane.

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

Partial depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.

Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

Causes hyperpolarization of the local nerve membrane.

Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Involves the production and release of neurotransmitters.

Blood-brain barrier

Controls the transport of substances between the brain and the blood.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Involved in 'fight-or-flight' responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Involved in 'rest and digest' functions.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter for both ANS divisions and postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Norepinephrine and Epinephrine

Neurotransmitters for the sympathetic postganglionic neurons.

Horns of the Spinal Cord

Extensions of grey matter that form an 'H' shape.

Three-neuron reflex arch

A basic functional unit for spinal reflexes.

Spinal Nerves

Peripheral nerves carrying information to and from the spinal cord.

Hippocampus

Involved in short and long-term memory.