Anatomy- Chp 8

neurons

a cell in neural tissue specialized fur intercellular communication

action potential

a propagated change in the membrane potential of excitable cells, initiated by a change in the membrane permeability to sodium ion

axon

an elongated extension of a neuron that carries information to other cells

myelin

an insulating sheath around an axon

muscle spindles

bundles of small, specialized skeletal muscle fibers

CSF

cerebral spinal fluid; fluid in the brain

medulla oblongata

contains the cardiovascular and respiratory rhythmicity centers; controls circulation, heartbeats, reflexes like swallowing and vomitting

trigeminal nerve

controls forehead, cheeks, and mandible

vagus nerve

controls the heartbeat and blood pressure

trigeminal

cranial nerve that has three branches

olfactory

only cranial nerve that is attached to the cerebrum

depolarization

opening of voltage-gated sodium channels in the membrane of a neuron

autonomic nervous system

provides involuntary regulation of smooth muscle cardiac muscle, and glandular activity

cerebrum

region of the brain that is involved in conscious though and intellectual functions as processing somatic sensory and motor information

dymelination disorders

result in loss of sensation and motor control that leaves regions numb and paralyzed

hypothalamus

structure that secretes antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin; controls body temperature and emotions

dendrites

the branching structures that, together with the cell body, are sensitive to chemical, mechanical, or electrical stimulation

pia mater

the layer of the meninges that is in the direct contact with the surface of the brain

afferent division

the part of the peripheral nervous system that brings information to the central nervous system

synapse

the site of communication between a nerve cell and other cells