Nervous System Flashcards
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What is the nervous system?
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body, coordinating voluntary and involuntary actions and transmitting sensory information.
What are the two main parts of the nervous system?
The two main parts of the nervous system are the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
What does the central nervous system consist of?
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which process information and control most functions of the body and mind.
What is the role of the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system connects the CNS to the limbs and organs, serving as a communication relay between the brain and the rest of the body.
What is the somatic nervous system responsible for?
The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and the relay of sensory information to the CNS.
What are afferent nerves?
Afferent nerves are sensory nerves that transmit sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.
What are efferent nerves?
Efferent nerves are motor nerves that carry motor commands from the central nervous system to the muscles.
What are reflex arcs?
Reflex arcs are neural pathways that control reflex actions, involving a direct route from sensory neurons to motor neurons, bypassing the brain.
What is the function of an effector in a reflex arc?
An effector, such as a muscle or gland, carries out the response initiated by the motor neuron in a reflex arc.
What does the autonomic nervous system regulate?
The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary physiological functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.
What is the fight or flight response?
The fight or flight response is a physiological reaction to a perceived harmful event, preparing the body to either confront or escape from the threat.
Who first described the fight or flight response?
The fight or flight response was first described by American physiologist Walter Cannon in the early 20th century.
What is oxytocin often referred to as?
Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone' or 'cuddle hormone' due to its role in social bonding and reproduction.
What is the 'tend and befriend' response?
The 'tend and befriend' response is a behavioral pattern observed in stressful situations, particularly among females, involving nurturing activities and forming social networks for mutual support.
What role does the sympathetic nervous system play?
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stressful situations, often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response.
What does the parasympathetic nervous system promote?
The parasympathetic nervous system promotes the 'rest and digest' state, conserving energy by slowing the heart rate and increasing digestive activity.
How do electrical signals travel in the nervous system?
Electrical signals, known as action potentials, travel along neurons, allowing for rapid communication within the nervous system.
What triggers the release of neurotransmitters?
The release of neurotransmitters is triggered when an action potential reaches the end of an axon.
What is the role of neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.
What happens if a sensory receptor is damaged?
If a sensory receptor is damaged, the initial detection of a stimulus will be impaired, preventing the reflex action from being triggered.
What is the integration center in a reflex arc?
The integration center in a reflex arc is usually located within the spinal cord, where the signal is processed before being relayed to motor neurons.
What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier?
The blood-brain barrier protects the central nervous system from injury and infection by restricting the passage of substances from the bloodstream.
What is the role of the hypothalamus in relation to oxytocin?
The hypothalamus produces oxytocin, which is released by the posterior pituitary gland and plays a significant role in social bonding and reproductive functions.
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