forms a synapse with another neuron or a target cell. It contains vesicles filled with neurotransmitters that are released into the synapse to communicate with other cells.

Define Nuclei

group of similar neurons within the CNS

Define Ganglia

group of similar neurons within the PNS

What does sensory(afferent) refer to?

sends information to the brain

What does motor(efferent) refer to?

sends information to the body

What nerves can repair themselves to some extent?

Peripheral nerves (nerves outside brain and spinal cord)

What nerves cannot be repaired?

CNS nerves (brain and spinal cord)

What is the blood brain barrier?

a highly selective and semipermable membrane that separates the circulating blood from the brain

How is the blood brain barrier formed?

formed by tightly connected endothelial cells that line the blood vessels in the brain. These cells are tightly connected by tight junctions that prevent most substances from passing between them and are regulated by astrocytes.

What is the function of the blood brain barrier?

serves to protect the brain from harmful substances and pathogens by preventing them from entering the brain tissue.

Describe the maintenance of the resting membrane potential

maintained by sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) pumps, K+ is diffused outside the cell creating a negative charge inside the cell which attracts positively charged ions that creates an electrochemical gradient that helps maintains a resting membrane potential -70 mv

What is frequency in relations to action potentials?

number of action potentials that occur

What is amplitude in relations to action potentials?

size or magnitude of electrical signals

What is conduction ratein relations to action potentials?

speed at which an action potential travels down an axon

What is saltatory conduction?

"leaping" of action potential from node to node

What neurotransmitter did Otto Loewi actually discover with his vagustuff experiment?

AcetylColine (A Ch)

How important was the discovery by Otto Loewi?

Significant because we discovered that the nervous system communicates both electrically and chemically.

What is the role of acetylcholine esterase?

enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, which helps to terminate signaling between neurons that use acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter.

What is the role of glycine in the brain?

an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord that binds to glycine receptors, which are involved in motor control, pain perception, and sleep regulation.

What is the role of GABA in the brain?

inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that helps to regulate the activity of neurons by binding to GABA receptors. These receptors are involved in anxiety, sleep, and muscle tone.

What does the term synaptic plasticity refer to?

the strengthening of synapses to encode memories and other information through repeated activity

Long-term potentiation is involved in ________ formation

memory

What does the term "circuit" mean when talking about the brain?

group of interconnected neurons that work together to perform a specific function

What is the function of the Medulla Oblongata?

controls autonomic functions of internal organs. Ex: BP, heart rate, respiratory control

What is the function of the Cerebellum?

controls basic and skilled movements ex: balance, fine cordination

What is the function of the Pons?

connects cerebellum and spinal cord with higher brain centers "Bridge"

What is the function of the Midbrain?

relays visual and auditory inputs

What is the function of the Thalamus?

receives transfers and processes sensory input to higher brain areas for interpretation

What is the function of the Hypothalamus?

controls the endocrine system by connecting to the pineal gland

What is the function of the Limbic system?

emotions and basic pattern of behaviors

What is the function of the Cerebrum?

coordinates movement, decision making , produces thought and speech. The "soul".

What are the 5 lobes of the cerebrum?

frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital lobe and insula

What is the function of the frontal lobe?

voluntary control of muscles/ movement, speech and personality

What is the function of the parietal lobe?

cutaneous and muscular sensations; interpretation of language, speech, textures, shapes

What is the function of the temporal lobe?

interpretation of auditory sensations, memory storage

What is the function of the occipital lobe?

visual integration, and conscious perception of vision

What is the function of the insula?

memory;sensation of pain, visceral integration/ stomach pain

What is the function of Broca's area in regard to speech?

produce language

What is the function of Wernicke's area in regard to speech?

Receives input from the auditory cortex (words you hear) and visual cortex (words you see) to interpret language

What are some functions of the limbicsystem?

Learning, memory, motivational system, emotions important to survival, , regulate hormonal functions

What region of the brain is especially involved in regulating the limbic system and endocrine systems as well as communicating with the medulla obolngata to regulate autonomic functions?

Hypothalamus

What is the the reticular formation responsible for?

Tuning out unimportant sensory stimulation when sleeping and alerting to important stimulation

What are the basic functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Regulates autonomic functions such as the heart, blood vessels, smooth muscles, including the muscles of the intestinal tract and glands of the endocrine system

Does the ANS posses motor, sensory or both motor and sensory fibers?

contains both motor and sensory fibers

What two divisions comprise the ANS?

Sympathetic , parasympathetic division

Preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic division originate in the __________ regions whereas preganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic division originate in the ________ and ________ regions

Thoracolumbar, CNS, Craniosacral

Describe the sympathetic division

Activates the body to either deal with a threat "flight" or "flight" through the release norepinephron from postganglionic neurons and epinephrine (adrenaline) from adrenal glands

Describe the Parasympatheticdivision

"Rest and Digest" slowing the heart rate down, dialtion of visceral blood vessels and increased activity of the digestive tract

Sympathetic effect on the heart

Increases heart rate (norepinephron)

Parasympathetic effect on the heart

Decreases heart rate (acetyl choline)

Sympathetic effect on the pupil

Dilates pupil

parasympathetic effect on the pupils

constricts pupil

Sympathetic effect on the Digestive system

inhibits digestion