BIOL141 Neural Circuits - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering divisions of the nervous system, neuron structure, neuron types, and neural circuit concepts based on the provided notes.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; processes, integrates, and coordinates information from the body.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS that connect the CNS to limbs and organs; conveys information to and from the CNS.

Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons or receptors.

Cell body (soma)

The neuron's metabolic center containing the nucleus; integrates incoming signals.

Axon

Long projection that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Synapse

junction between neurons (or neuron and effector) where neurotransmitters are released for communication.

Afferent (Sensory) neuron

Carries information from sensory receptors toward the CNS.

Efferent (Motor) neuron

Carries commands from the CNS to effectors (muscles or glands).

Interneurons

Neurons within the CNS that connect sensory and motor pathways and perform integration.

Sensory

Relating to sensing; typically describes afferent pathways that carry information toward the CNS.

Motor

Relating to movement; typically describes efferent pathways that carry commands from the CNS to effectors.

Stimulus

A detectable change in the internal or external environment that can trigger a neural response.

Receptor cells

Specialized cells that detect a specific stimulus and initiate neural signaling.

Effector

A muscle or gland that responds to motor commands from the CNS.

Integration

The processing and interpretation of sensory input by the CNS to determine an appropriate response.

Directionality of neural signals

The flow of information: receptors/sensory input → CNS (integration) → effectors; afferent signals go to the CNS, efferent signals leave the CNS.