Nervous System: Neurons, Synapses, Circuits, and Brain Regions - Prof. Tod R. Clapp, Study notes of Biology

Download Nervous System: Neurons, Synapses, Circuits, and Brain Regions - Prof. Tod R. Clapp and more Study notes Biology in PDF only on Docsity! 12 October Definitions Neuron – nerve cell Synapse – point of connection between two neurons Pre-synaptic region (from neuron 1), synaptic cleft, post-synaptic region (from neuron 2) Propagate signal Allow processing of signal (modification) ↑ synapses, ↑ neurons → ↑ complex activities Circuit – group of neurons and synapses with a predictable firing pattern or outcome Nucleus – group or collection of cell bodies in CNS Ganglion – group of cell bodies in PNS General Anatomy Cerebrum Cerebellum Diencephalon Brainstem Listed in opposite evolutionary order Brainstem Medulla Most inferior Nuclei that control vital reflexes Cardiovascular Respiratory Gives rise to vagus (parasympathetic) Non-vital reflexes Coughing, sneezing, vomiting Pons Vital reflexes Respiratory Nuclei to and from cerebellum Midbrain Visual grasp reflex Auditory reflexes Diencephalon Thalamus Group of relay nuclei to cerebral cortex Switchboard Every sensory input goes through the thalamus Hypothalamus Master regulator of ANS (autonomic nervous system) Electrolyte balance, body temperature, food intake Cerebellum “Little brain” Comparator Regulates rate, range, and force of ongoing movements