Nervous System Overview Quiz

A change in membrane potential (voltage difference) that travels down the axon of a neuron.

The process of the neuron's membrane potential becoming less negative, closer to zero, due to the influx of positively charged sodium ions.

The process of the neuron's membrane potential returning to its resting state, becoming more negative, due to the outflow of potassium ions.

The minimum level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a neuron at rest, typically -70mV.

The voltage difference between two locations.

The sodium-potassium pump actively moves sodium ions out of the neuron and potassium ions into the neuron, maintaining the resting potential.

The process of nerve impulse transmission involving a combination of electrical and chemical events.

The minimum change in membrane potential required to trigger an action potential.

The small gap between two neurons where communication occurs.

Chemical messengers released by neurons that transmit signals across synapses.

The neuron that sends a signal across a synapse.

The neuron that receives a signal across a synapse.

The part of the brain responsible for involuntary actions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It controls essential life functions, keeping you alive even when you're unconscious.

A rapid and involuntary response to a stimulus. It is a simple, automatic reaction that doesn't involve conscious thought.

An action that is consciously controlled by the brain, allowing you to choose and perform specific movements.

A detectable change in the environment that triggers a response. It can be internal (like a change in blood sugar) or external (like a loud noise).

A specialized organ or cell that detects a specific stimulus. It converts the stimulus into a signal that the nervous system can understand.

A nerve cell that transmits signals from the receptor to the central nervous system (CNS).

A nerve cell that receives a signal from the CNS and relays it to the effector.

An organ or tissue that carries out a response to the stimulus. It can be a muscle (for movement) or a gland (for secretion).

The nervous system is the body's communication network, responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information. It's like a complex highway system, with nerves acting as roads, and neurons as vehicles.

A neuron is a specialized cell in the nervous system that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. It's like a tiny messenger, carrying important information throughout the body.

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is the control center, made up of the brain and spinal cord. It's like the headquarters, processing and coordinating all the information.

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is the network of nerves that connects the CNS to the rest of the body. It's like the communication cables, carrying messages to and from the control center.

The frontal lobe is located at the front of the brain and is responsible for higher-order thinking skills. It's like your executive office, making decisions and planning actions.

The parietal lobe is located on top of the brain and processes sensory information from the skin. It's like your sensory hub, receiving information about touch, temperature, and pain.

The occipital lobe is located at the back of the brain and is responsible for processing visual information. It's like your visual center, interpreting what you see.

The temporal lobe is located on the side of the brain, responsible for auditory processing and language comprehension. It's like your auditory and language center, understanding what you hear and speak.

A chemical messenger that increases the likelihood of a neuron firing.

A chemical messenger that decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing.

The process by which neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

The time taken to respond to a stimulus.

A test to measure reaction time by dropping a ruler and measuring the distance it falls before the subject catches it.

Factors that can influence reaction time.

A visual illusion where the perception of the world is different from reality.