Explain the concept of reflexes.
Automatic responses controlled by the spinal cord, bypassing the brain initially.
What is the 'all-or-none' response in neurons?
A neuron either fires completely or not at all; there's no partial firing.
Describe the function of sensory neurons.
Carry incoming information from the senses to the CNS.
What is the role of interneurons?
Process information within the CNS.
Explain the function of motor neurons.
Carry outgoing information from the CNS to muscles and glands.
What is the neuron's threshold?
The minimum level of stimulation needed to trigger an action potential.
Explain the difference between electrical and chemical synapses.
Electrical synapses relay quick messages, while chemical synapses send messages slowly.
Describe the role of the spinal cord.
Connects the brain to the rest of the body and handles reflexes.
What is the main function of the brain?
Processing information and making decisions.
Explain the concept of neurotransmission.
The process by which neurons communicate using chemical messengers across the synapse.
Describe the steps of an action potential.
1. Neuron is at resting potential. 2. Depolarization occurs. 3. Threshold is reached. 4. Action potential is triggered. 5. Repolarization occurs. 6. Resting potential is restored.
What is the process of neurotransmission?
1. Synthesis of neurotransmitters. 2. Release into the synapse. 3. Binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. 4. Signal propagation. 5. Removal of neurotransmitters from the synapse.
Describe the 'fight or flight' response.
1. Threat perceived. 2. Sympathetic nervous system activated. 3. Heart rate increases. 4. Breathing quickens. 5. Adrenaline released. 6. Body prepares for action.
What is the process of the 'rest and digest' response?
1. Threat subsides. 2. Parasympathetic nervous system activated. 3. Heart rate decreases. 4. Breathing slows. 5. Body returns to a calm state.
Describe the steps of a reflex arc.
1. Sensory receptor detects stimulus. 2. Sensory neuron transmits signal to spinal cord. 3. Interneuron processes signal. 4. Motor neuron transmits signal to muscle. 5. Muscle contracts.
Compare the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic: 'fight or flight,' increases heart rate. Parasympathetic: 'rest and digest,' decreases heart rate.
Compare sensory and motor neurons.
Sensory: carry info to the CNS. Motor: carry info from the CNS to muscles/glands.
Compare electrical and chemical synapses.
Electrical: fast, direct connection. Chemical: slower, uses neurotransmitters.
Compare the CNS and PNS.
CNS: brain and spinal cord, processing center. PNS: connects CNS to the rest of the body.
Compare the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Somatic: controls voluntary movements. Autonomic: controls involuntary functions.
Compare afferent and efferent neurons.
Afferent neurons carry signals towards the CNS, while efferent neurons carry signals away from the CNS.
