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BIOL 1406-Unit 12
Stimulus & Response
40
Biology
Undergraduate 1
04/11/2012

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Term
What is the primary functions of the nervous system?
Definition
To send and receive infromation. Controls & communicates throughout the rest of the body.
Term
What is the function unit of the nervous system?
Definition
Neuron
Term
Describe and give the function of an Axon:
Definition
Most neurons have only one, transmits info AWAY from cell body, may/may not have myelin covering.
Elongated fiber from cell body to terminal endings; transmits neural signal
Term
Describe and give the function of the Cell Body (i.e. Soma):
Definition
The support structure of the cell, maintains cell & keeps neuron functional.
Signals from the denrites are joined here and passed on.
Soma (& nucleus) do NOT play an active role in the transmission of the neural signal.
Term
Describe and give the function of Dendrites:
Definition
treelike extentions at the begining of a neuron, helps increase surface area of the cell body, covered with synapses.
Receives info from other neurons and transmits electrical stimulation to the soma.
Term
Describe and give the function of a Schwann Cell:
Definition
Located in the PNS.
Produces myelin sheath & functions in repair/regeneration of damaged nerves
Term
Describe and give the function of the Myelin:
Definition
Consists of fat-containing cells, insulate the axon from electrical activity. Act to increase the rate of transmission of signals.
Term
Describe Sensory Neuron:
Definition
carries the impulse generatedd by the stimulus through the CNS, to the brain.
Term
Describe Motor Neuron:
Definition
carries impulse from the brain to the effector (muscle)
Term
Describe Interneuron:
Definition
forms a connection between other neurons. Is neither a sensory nor motor neuron.
Term
What is the function of the sodium-potassium pump?
Definition
To help maintain the electrochemical gradient in the cell.
Also, allows absorptive cells to transport nutrients into the cell via secondary active transport.
Term
What is a neurotransmitter?
Definition
Endogenous chemicals that transmit signals from neuron to a target cell across a synapse.
Term
Name examples of neurotransmitters and their functions.
Definition
Acetylcholine: arousal/orgasm, voluntary muscular control & proper tone, memory, mental focus...
Dopamine: Alertness, motivation, motor control, lean muscle gain, bone density, processing of pain...
Serotonin: decreased though, anxiety, agression, sexual desire; elevates pain threshold
Norepinephrine: Increased physical activity, heart rate, BP; Alertness, memory & learning
Term
What is a synapse?
Definition
a structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell (neural or otherwise)
Term
Describe the events that happen at the synapse.
Definition
When action potential reaches a synapse, the pores open allowing an afflux of calcium ions into presynaptic terminal causing neurotransmitters to be released and cross over the synaptic cleft to attach to receptors in the post synaptic membrane and allow impulse to pass.
Term
List the components of the central nervous system.
Definition
Cerebellum, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Cerebrum, Hypothalamus, Medulla Oblongata, The Meninges (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater), Pons Varolii
Term
What functions is controlled by the right hemisphere of the cerebrum?
Definition
The left side of the body.
Spatial orientation, facial recognition, body image, art/ music appreciation
Term
What functions is controlled by the left hemisphere of the cerebrum?
Definition
The right side of the body.
Language, math, logic
Term
List the components of the peripheral nervous system.
Definition
Sensory (afferent) neurons
Motor (efferent) nerurons
Term
What are the subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system?
Definition
Somatic nervous system
Autonomatic nervous system
Term
Somatic nervous system:
Definition
Somatic nervous system - carries signals from somatic receptors to skeletal muscles. Controls volutary/conscious activities.
Term
Autonomatic nervous system:
Definition
Autonomic integrating centers in the CNS usually included in this system. Controls involuntary/unconscious regulation of cardia & smooth muscle, and glands.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Cerebrum.
Definition
The largest part of the brain. Wrinkled surface is called cerebral cortex. Thought to control thought, memory & senses. Divided into to parts: right/lefte hemispheres.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Cerebellum.
Definition
Located in the posterior fossa of the skull. Involved in feedback loop for muscle movement.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Thalamus.
Definition
Located above the brainstem. Relays movement and sensory information.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Hypothalamus.
Definition
Grouping of nuclei that lie along the base of the brain near the pituitary gland.
Connects many other regions of the brain. Controls hunger, thirst, emotions, body temp, circadian rythms. Controls pituitary gland by secreting hormones.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Medulla oblongata.
Definition
Control center for breathing, blood pressure & heart beat, other involuntary body functions.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Pons.
Definition
Connects the cerebral cortex & medulla oblongata.
Communications & coordination center between 2 hemispheres. Also between brain and spinal cord.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Pituitary gland.
Definition
Located at the base of the brain.
Sends signals to other glands and organs and directs them to produce certain hormones.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Pineal gland.
Definition
To produce melatonin which helps regulate sleep/wake functions.
Term
Identify & describe the function of the Corpus callosum.
Definition
A thick white band of nerves deep within the brain which connects the two hemispheres.
Term
Describe the events that happen in a reflex arc.
Definition
A neural pathway that controls an action reflex.
There are two types of reflex arc: autonomic reflex arc (affecting inner organs) and somatic reflex arc (affecting muscles).
Term
Describe the nervous system disorder, Alzheimer's disease/ dementia.
Definition
A loss of brain function
that occurs with certain diseases.
Memory impairment, as well as
problems with language, decisionmaking
ability, judgment, and personality.
Term
Describe the nervous system disorder, Cerebrovascular accident (CVA-Stroke).
Definition
A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops.
Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot.
Hemorrhagc stroke occurs when a blood
vessel in part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open, causing blood to leak into the brain.
Term
Describe the nervous system disorder, Epilepsy.
Definition
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures
(convulsions) over time.
occurs when permanent changes in brain tissue cause the
brain to be too excitable or jumpy.
Term
Describe the nervous system disorder, Multiple Sclerosis.
Definition
An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Caused by damage to the myelin sheath, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped.
Term
Describe the nervous system disorder, Parkinson's disease.
Definition
A disorder of the brain that leads
to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.
Occurs when the nerve cells in the
brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed.
Term
Describe the nervous system disorder, Meningitis.
Definition
An infection of the membranes covering
the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
Most common causes are viral infections that usually get better without treatment. Bacterial meningitis infections are extremely
serious.
Term
Describe the nervous system disorder, Migraine Headaches.
Definition
A very painful type of headache. Doctors believe the cause is related to genes that control the activity of
some brain cells.
Term
Describe the nervous system disorder, Mental health disorders.
Definition
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