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Nervous System and Special Senses - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (21)

  • General structure of the nervous system

    The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). It consists of neurons and supporting cells that transmit and process information.

  • Primary functions of the nervous system

    To detect stimuli, process information, and coordinate responses to maintain homeostasis and control body functions.

  • Process of synaptic transmission

    Electrical impulses trigger release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron, which cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, generating a new impulse.

  • Structures of the central nervous system (CNS)

    The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing sensory information and coordinating motor output.

  • Function of the brain in the CNS

    Controls higher functions like thought, memory, emotion, and voluntary movement.

  • Function of the spinal cord in the CNS

    Conducts signals between the brain and body and mediates reflexes.

  • Function of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)

    Controls muscles of facial expression and conveys taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

  • Function of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)

    Provides sensation to the face and controls muscles involved in mastication (chewing).

  • Function of the optic nerve (cranial nerve II)

    Transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.

  • Function of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)

    Controls parasympathetic output to thoracic and abdominal organs, affecting heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

  • Definition of a reflex arc

    A neural pathway that controls a reflex action, typically involving a sensory neuron, interneuron, and motor neuron.

  • Significance of the reflex arc

    Allows rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli to protect the body and maintain homeostasis.

  • Example of a spinal nerve involved in reflexes

    The patellar nerve mediates the knee-jerk reflex.

  • Sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system

    Prepares the body for 'fight or flight' by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and inhibiting digestion.

  • Parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system

    Promotes 'rest and digest' activities by slowing heart rate, constricting pupils, and stimulating digestion.

  • Key difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

    Sympathetic activates the body for stress; parasympathetic conserves energy and restores the body.

  • Structures of the special senses

    Include the eyes (vision), ears (hearing and balance), nose (smell), and tongue (taste).

  • Function of the eye in special senses

    Detects light and converts it into neural signals for vision.

  • Function of the ear in special senses

    Detects sound waves for hearing and monitors balance and spatial orientation.

  • Function of the nose in special senses

    Detects airborne chemicals for the sense of smell.

  • Function of the tongue in special senses

    Contains taste buds that detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors.