receptors detect physical energy
🧠HUMAN ANATOMY STUDY GUIDE
Nervous System Anatomy and Signaling
Study neurons, action potentials, synapses, brain regions, spinal pathways, and autonomic divisions.
8 key ideas8 flashcards5 practice questions
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Follow a signal from stimulus to response.
networks interpret and route signals
muscles or glands receive the command
Key ideas to know
Start with the relationships between ideas. Then close the notes and explain each one from memory.
- 01
Neurons receive, process, and transmit electrical and chemical signals.
- 02
The central nervous system contains the brain and spinal cord.
- 03
The peripheral nervous system carries sensory input toward the CNS and motor output away from it.
- 04
Depolarization begins when membrane voltage reaches threshold and voltage-gated sodium channels open.
- 05
Repolarization follows as sodium channels inactivate and voltage-gated potassium channels open.
- 06
Chemical synapses release neurotransmitter that binds receptors on a receiving cell.
- 07
Myelin permits saltatory conduction between nodes of Ranvier.
- 08
Sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways often produce opposing effects in the same organ.
PART OF THE HUMAN ANATOMY GUIDE
See every set in this course and follow a focused review order.
Open the full Human Anatomy guide →Two ideas worth correcting now
NOT QUITE
→Neurons touch at every chemical synapse
USE THIS INSTEAD
A synaptic cleft separates the sending and receiving cells.
NOT QUITE
→The sympathetic division is always harmful
USE THIS INSTEAD
It is a normal control system used during activity and stress.
Flashcards
Answer before opening each card. The effort to retrieve is part of the learning.
1What enters during rapid depolarization?Show answer ＋
Sodium ions through voltage-gated sodium channels.
2What leaves during repolarization?Show answer ＋
Potassium ions through voltage-gated potassium channels.
3What is a synapse?Show answer ＋
A junction where a neuron communicates with another cell.
4What does the cerebellum do?Show answer ＋
Coordinates movement, balance, timing, and motor learning.
5What are afferent neurons?Show answer ＋
Sensory neurons carrying information toward the CNS.
6What does myelin do?Show answer ＋
Insulates axons and speeds signal conduction.
7Where does saltatory conduction occur?Show answer ＋
Between nodes of Ranvier on a myelinated axon.
8What does the sympathetic division generally prepare for?Show answer ＋
Increased activity during stress or exertion.
Explain it in your own words
Use the answer as a check after you have written or spoken your response.
01How does a signal cross a chemical synapse?
Calcium entry triggers vesicle release, neurotransmitter crosses the cleft, and receptors alter the receiving cell.
02How do gray and white matter differ?
Gray matter contains many cell bodies and synapses; white matter contains many myelinated axons.
03Why is a spinal reflex rapid?
A spinal circuit can produce motor output before conscious brain processing.
04Why does an action potential travel one way along an axon?
Recently activated membrane is refractory while the next segment can reach threshold.
05How can one neurotransmitter excite one cell and inhibit another?
Its effect depends on the receptor and ion channels present on the receiving cell.
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