Lesson 16: Nervous System

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the nervous system.

Neuron

Specialized cell designed to transmit chemical/electrical impulses through the body.

Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells that support, regulate, and nourish neurons; outnumber neurons in the brain.

Resting Membrane Potential

The membrane potential characteristic of a nonconducting excitable cell, typically around -70 millivolts.

Action Potential

A rapid, temporary change in the electrical potential of a neuron's membrane used to transmit signals.

Depolarization

A change in a cell’s membrane potential, making the inside less negative relative to the outside.

Repolarization

The process of restoring a cell's internal negative charge after an action potential.

Synapse

The space between neurons where neurotransmitters are transferred for communication.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A transport protein that actively moves Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell to maintain membrane potential.

Ion Channel

A transmembrane protein channel that allows specific ions to diffuse across the membrane.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Part of the nervous system that gathers information from stimuli and transmits it to the central nervous system.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that oversees voluntary control of muscle tissue.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary actions like heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action (fight or flight).

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and enhances rest-related functions.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals from one neuron to another across a synapse.

Membrane Potential

The difference in electrical charge across a cell membrane due to the distribution of ions.