Cheat Sheet
5 sections
•
25 key points
1
Divisions of the Nervous System
Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord. Integrates and interprets information.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): All nerves outside the CNS. Connects CNS to limbs and organs.
PNS Subdivisions: Somatic (voluntary control) and Autonomic (involuntary control).
Autonomic Subdivisions: Sympathetic (fight or flight) and Parasympathetic (rest and digest).
Enteric Nervous System: Controls the gastrointestinal tract.
2
Neurons: The Basic Units
Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and organelles.
Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons.
Axon: Transmits signals away from the cell body.
Myelin Sheath: Fatty insulation around axons, speeds up signal transmission.
Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath.
3
Signal Transmission
Action Potential: Electrical impulse that travels down the axon.
Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers released at the synapse.
Synapse: Junction where neurons communicate (pre-synaptic to post-synaptic).
Excitatory Neurotransmitters: Increase likelihood of action potential (e.g., Acetylcholine).
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters: Decrease likelihood of action potential (e.g., GABA).
4
Major Brain Regions
Cerebrum: Largest part, controls thought, voluntary movement, sensory perception.
Cerebellum: Coordinates balance and motor control.
Brainstem: Connects cerebrum and cerebellum to spinal cord, controls vital functions (breathing, heart rate).
Thalamus: Relays sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex.
Hypothalamus: Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep.
5
Reflex Arcs
Definition: An involuntary, rapid response to a stimulus.
Components: Sensory receptor, afferent neuron, integration center, efferent neuron, effector.
Monosynaptic Reflex: Direct synapse between sensory and motor neuron (e.g., stretch reflex).
Polysynaptic Reflex: Involves interneurons between sensory and motor neurons (most reflexes).
Function: Protects the body from harm and maintains homeostasis.
Sample Flashcards
Card 1 of 6
Question
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Answer
CNS and PNS
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Quick Quiz
1. Which component is part of the Central Nervous System?
2. What is the primary function of dendrites?
3. Which neurotransmitter is typically excitatory?
4. The cerebellum is primarily responsible for:
5. A reflex arc involves:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main function of the nervous system?
The nervous system controls and coordinates all body functions, processes sensory information, and enables communication between different parts of the body.
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
The two main divisions are the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
What is a synapse?
A synapse is the junction between two neurons where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted from one neuron to another.
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