Nervous System Quiz

The master control system of the body, overseeing and coordinating all bodily functions.

All the nervous tissue outside the central nervous system, composed of cranial and spinal nerves. It connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

The part of the nervous system that carries information from the body's receptors to the central nervous system.

The part of the nervous system that carries information away from the central nervous system to effectors.

Structures that detect environmental changes or specific stimuli, providing sensory information to the nervous system.

Muscles and glands that respond to neural commands from the nervous system.

The part of the nervous system controlling conscious movement of skeletal muscles.

The part of the nervous system responsible for involuntary control of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands, maintaining homeostasis.

The area where the action potential begins, marking the start of the electrical impulse traveling down the axon.

Long, slender projection of a neuron that carries the electrical signal (action potential) away from the cell body to target cells, such as muscles or glands.

Specialized cells that create the myelin sheath, a fatty layer that insulates the axon, improving the speed and efficiency of signal transmission.

Branches off the main axon that allow a neuron to communicate with multiple target cells, expanding its network and function.

The end of the axon where it forms junctions (synapses) with target cells. This is also where neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles.

A specialized junction between two neurons, where a chemical signal (neurotransmitter) is released from one neuron and received by the other, allowing for the relay of information.

Neurons with one primary process that emerges from the cell body. They are responsible for sensing stimuli.

Neurons with two processes, one axon and one dendrite, extending from the cell body in opposite directions. They are found in sensory systems like smell and vision.

The movement of a cell's membrane potential to a more positive value, bringing it closer to zero.

The movement of a cell's membrane potential back to its resting state, becoming more negative.

The movement of a cell's membrane potential to a more negative value, even beyond the resting state.

The stable voltage across the cell membrane when the cell is at rest. It is maintained by ion pumps and leakage.

The fluid outside of a cell, rich in sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions.

The fluid inside a cell, rich in potassium (K+) and negatively charged proteins.

An active transport mechanism that pumps sodium (Na+) out of the cell and potassium (K+) into the cell. It requires energy to operate.

Temporary changes in the membrane voltage, the strength of which depends on the size of the stimulus. They are not strong enough to trigger an action potential.

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and digestion. It contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.

This neurotransmitter is associated with feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation. It plays a role in movement and addiction.

A neurotransmitter known for its calming effects, GABA helps regulate nerve activity in the brain and promotes focus. Low levels can lead to anxiety.

This neurotransmitter acts like an 'on' switch, involved in learning, memory, and muscle activation. It also plays a role in attention and alertness.

A major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, glutamate plays a crucial role in learning and memory. It helps regulate the development of nerve connections.

A type of glial cell that protects the nervous system from infection and removes cellular waste.

A type of glial cell that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The insulating layer of myelin that surrounds axons, speeding up nerve signal transmission.

The region of an axon where the myelin sheath is interrupted, allowing for faster signal transmission.

A type of synapse where electrical signals are transmitted directly from one neuron to another.

A type of ion channel that opens or closes in response to changes in the membrane potential.

A type of ion channel that opens or closes in response to the binding of a neurotransmitter.

A change in the membrane potential that does not reach the threshold level (-55 mV), preventing the generation of an action potential.

The minimum level of depolarization (-55 mV) that must be reached for an action potential to fire. Once threshold is reached, an action potential will always occur.

The period during which another action potential cannot be initiated, regardless of the stimulus strength. This ensures the unidirectional propagation of the action potential.

The propagation of an action potential along an unmyelinated axon, where the action potential travels continuously along the axon.

The propagation of an action potential along a myelinated axon, where the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next.