C2: Nervous System

• Central Nervous System (CNS) controls the brain and spinal cord
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) has two parts; Autonomic and Somatic
• Nervous System has two subparts, Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• Autonomic regulates internal bodily functions
• Somatic controls voluntary movement
• Sympathetic

  • Heart rate increases
  • Breathing increases
  • Pupils dilate
  • Indigestion
  • Activates sweat glands
  • Blood pressure increases
  • Dried up mouth
• Parasympathetic

  • Heart rate decreases
  • Breathing decreases
  • Pupils contract
  • Stimulates digestion
  • Deactivates sweat glands
  • Blood pressure decreases
  • Activates saliva
• Three types of neurons: Sensory Neurons, Motor Neurons and Inter Neurons. Nanny Neurons (Glial Cells) are not proven to be neurons yet.
• Sensory Neurons are found in the CNS, they send signals to the brain
• Motor Neurons are found in the PNS, they send signals to the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands
• Inter Neurons are found in the CNS, they relay information between the sensory and motor neurons
• Glial Cells/Nanny Neurons takes care of other cells and the nervous system
• Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system
• Dendrites receive messages from other cells
• The Soma/Cell Body helps keep the neuron healthy and functioning
• The Axon passes messages from the cell body to other neurons
• The Axon Terminal form junctions with other cells
• An Action Potential is an electrical signal that is sent along a neuron when stimulation is detected
• Refractory Period is when the neuron is unable to fire an action potential
• Resting Potential is the difference of when a neuron is and is not stimulated
• The "All-or-none-principal" is the idea that neuron can only respond to a certain level of stimulation
• Synapse is the gap between neurons that prevents a signal from passing to the next one
• Neurotransmitters are substances neurons use to communicate
• Re-Uptake is when a neuron reabsorbs messengers, clears the synapse and regulates neurotransmitters
• An Agonist enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter
• An Antagonist decreases a neurotransmitters release
• Acetylcholine is important for learning, memory, sleep and muscle movement
• Low levels of Acetylcholine can lead to Alzheimer; High levels can lead to depression
• Agonists of Acetylcholine is nicotine, caffeine and venom; Antagonists are botulin and curare. Poison is considered both.
• Dopamine is important for motivation, interest, attention, behavior and movement.
• Low levels of Dopamine can lead to depression; High levels can lead to schizophrenia and ADHD
• Agonists for Dopamine are L-Dopa, nicotine, caffeine and Amphetamine; Antagonist is cocaine
• Endorphins relieve pain and boost ones mood
• High levels of Endorphins can lead to depression
• Agonists for Endorphins are morphine, heroine, oxycodone and Fetanyll; Antagonist is naloxone
• Epinephrine produces arousal, vigilance, eating and appetite.
• Low levels of Epinephrine can lead to depression; High levels can lead to schizophrenia
• Agonists for Epinephrine are SPEED, cocaine and Fetamine
• GABA produces excitement, fear and anxiety
• Low levels of GABA can lead to seizures and schizophrenia; High levels can lead to impaired motor movement