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
