The Neuron
Neuron II
Brain Parts
The Nervous System
The Endocrine System
More Brain Parts
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Neuron I Neuron II Brain Parts The Nervous System
The Endocrine System
More Brain Parts
Covering of the axon that speeds up neural impulses
Myelin Sheath
Type of neuron that takes messages to the central nervous system
Sensory/Afferent
Type of neuron that processes information in the brain and spinal cord (CNS)
Interneuron
Location of receptor sites
Dendrites
Part of the neuron that contains neurotransmitters
Terminal buttons/presynaptic buttons
Phase of a neuron when it is polarized and ready to fire
Resting potential
Period where neuron is recharging and cannot release another action potential
Refractory Period
Type and location of ions when a neuron is ready to fire
Sodium (NA+) is outside of axon; Potassium (K+) is inside of axon
Type of cell that holds neurons in place, provide nourishment, and removes waste products; Also prevents harmful substances from passing the blood-brain barrier
Glial cells
Describe what happens electrochemically when a neuron fires (action potential)
Neuron becomes depolarized as NA+ ions flow into the neuron (happens step by step down neuron); K+ ions flow out of the neuron; Sodium-Potassium pump replaces ions in their “correct” spot
Sensory relay station (receives all sensory stimuli minus smell)
Thalamus
Life-support center: breathing, heart rate
Medulla
Helps us respond to situations based on our level of arousal; Alerts higher parts of the brain
Reticular Formation (also called Reticular Activating System)
“Little brain”; Balance, coordination, implicit procedural memories, judgment of time
Cerebellum
Registers and processes touch, taste, pain, and skin temperature
Sensory Cortex (in parietal lobe)
Components of the central nervous system
Brain and spinal cord
Division of the NS that transmits commands for voluntary movement from the CNS to the muscles
Somatic NS
Part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body down
Parasympathetic NS
List the changes that occur in the body when the sympathetic NS is activated
Pupils dilate, heart beat accelerates, lungs constrict, digestion systems inhibit digestion, adrenal gland releases adrenaline and noradrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
Term used to describe systems that work in opposition to each other (like the autonomic NS)
Opponent Process
The endocrine system releases these into the blood stream
Hormones
How are hormones different than neurotransmitters?
Slower, but more long lasting
The master gland that controls all other glands; works in concert with the hypothalamus
Pituitary gland
Gland that helps regulate energy level and metabolism in the body
Thyroid
Regulates the level of blood sugar in the blood
Pancreas
Involved in coordination of movement, sleep, arousal, and facial expressions (“bridge” between cerebral cortex and medulla)
Pons
Fear and aggression, detects threats
Amygdala
Band of neural tissue that connects the two hemispheres of the brain
Corpus callosum
In between brainstem and limbic system
Midbrain
Areas of the brain that are involved in higher mental functioning
Association areas
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