Key Concepts of the Nervous System and Sensory Biology

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Sensory Cells and Structures

Rod Cells

Detect light intensity and are used in black and white vision.

Cone Cells

Detect color.

Hair Cells

Located in the inner ear, these contain mechanoreceptors that detect vibrations.

Cochlea

A structure of fluid-filled canals in the inner ear where hair cells are located.

The Nervous System: Divisions and Functions

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A collection of nerves that connects the CNS to all organ systems.

Somatic Nervous System

A division of the PNS that regulates all movements over which you have voluntary control, connecting the CNS to target organs.

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the PNS that controls automatic functions that do not require conscious thought.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action and stress.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body and helps conserve energy.

Key Brain Structures and Their Roles

Cerebrum

The brain part that interprets signals from your body and forms responses such as hunger, thirst, emotions, motion, and pain.

Cerebral Cortex

Interprets information from your sensory organs and generates responses.

Cerebral Lobes

  • Frontal Lobe: Personality, reasoning, and judgment.
  • Temporal Lobe: Speech interpretation and listening.
  • Occipital Lobe: Processes visual information.
  • Parietal Lobe: Interprets information from the sense of touch.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movements, helps maintain posture and balance, and adjusts the body for smooth motion.

Brain Stem

Connects the brain to the spinal cord and controls basic activities required for life.
  • Midbrain: Controls some reflexes.
  • Pons: Regulates breathing.
  • Medulla: Connects the brain to the spinal cord.

Nervous System Concepts

Reflex Arc

Nerve pathways that need to cross only two synapses before producing a response.

Drug Effects and Related Terms

Addiction

A compulsive need for a substance.

Desensitization

Occurs when there are more neurotransmitters present in the synapse than usual, leading to a reduced response.

Tolerance

The need for larger doses of a drug to produce the same effect.

Sensitization

Occurs when low amounts of neurotransmitters are present in the synapse, leading to an increased response.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase the amount of action potentials that neurons fire by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the synapse.

Depressants

Drugs that make one feel relaxed and tired.

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