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General Biology: Nervous, Sensory, and Endocrine Systems

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Terms in this set (30)

  • Two types of cells in nervous tissue
    Neurons transmit impulses; neuroglia support and protect neurons.
  • Two major groups of nervous system organs
    The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
  • General functions of the nervous system
    Sensory input, integration of data, and motor output.
  • General structure of a neuron
    Consists of a cell body, dendrites (receive signals), and an axon (sends signals).
  • Classification of neurons by structure and function
    Based on number of processes and direction of impulse: sensory, motor, and interneurons.
  • Functions of neuroglia in the CNS
    Support neurons, form myelin, maintain environment, and protect the brain.
  • Schwann cells in the PNS
    Form myelin sheath around peripheral axons to speed impulse conduction.
  • How a membrane becomes polarized
    By maintaining a difference in ion concentration across the membrane, creating a resting membrane potential.
  • Events leading to an action potential
    Depolarization to threshold, opening of Na+ channels, followed by repolarization as K+ channels open.
  • Impulse conduction in unmyelinated neurons
    Continuous conduction where the impulse travels along every part of the membrane.
  • Impulse conduction in myelinated neurons
    Saltatory conduction where impulses jump between nodes of Ranvier, increasing speed.
  • How information passes from one neuron to another
    Via synapses using neurotransmitters that cross the synaptic cleft.
  • Membrane potential changes with excitatory neurotransmitters
    Cause depolarization, making the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.
  • Membrane potential changes with inhibitory neurotransmitters
    Cause hyperpolarization, making the neuron less likely to fire.
  • Classification of nerves
    Based on direction: sensory, motor, or mixed nerves.
  • Parts of a reflex arc
    Receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, and effector.
  • Coverings of the brain and spinal cord
    The meninges: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
  • Major parts of the brain and their functions
    Cerebrum (thought), cerebellum (coordination), brainstem (basic life functions).
  • Functions of cerebrospinal fluid
    Cushions the brain, removes waste, and transports nutrients.
  • Functions of the autonomic nervous system
    Controls involuntary body functions like heart rate and digestion.
  • Difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
    Sympathetic prepares for 'fight or flight'; parasympathetic promotes 'rest and digest'.
  • Difference between general and special senses
    General senses detect touch, pain, temperature; special senses include vision, hearing, taste, smell, and equilibrium.
  • Five kinds of sensory receptors
    Mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors, nociceptors, photoreceptors, and chemoreceptors.
  • Mechanism of smell
    Odor molecules bind to receptors in the nasal cavity, triggering nerve impulses.
  • Mechanism of taste
    Chemicals stimulate taste buds, sending signals to the brain.
  • Functions of parts of the ear
    Outer ear collects sound; middle ear transmits vibrations; inner ear detects sound and balance.
  • Difference between static and dynamic equilibrium
    Static equilibrium senses head position; dynamic equilibrium senses motion and acceleration.
  • Functions of parts of the eye
    Cornea and lens focus light; retina detects light; optic nerve transmits signals.
  • Comparison of nervous and endocrine systems in homeostasis
    Nervous system acts fast with electrical signals; endocrine system acts slower with hormones.
  • Difference between endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine secretions
    Endocrine hormones act on distant cells; autocrine act on the same cell; paracrine act on nearby cells.