Steps of the Nervous System

1. Signals come in as membrane potentials

2. Membrane potentials initiates action potential

3. Action potential moves on to axon terminals

4. Neurotransmitter release/transmit signal to target cell

Difference between membrane potential and voltage gradient

Membrane potential = Membrane voltage

"push or pull" driving force that ion experiences in electric field

Depolarization

Cell becomes more positive inside relative to the fluid outside

Hyperpolarization

When cells become more negative relative to fluid bath oustide

Repolarization

Re-establishment of membrane potential to inital resting (polarized) state after depolarization

Summation

Accumulation of effects or summing of effects especially in neural or muscular activity

Temporal summation

When voltage shock delivers at faster rate which further depolarizes the cell

Spatial Summation

When 2 different areas, close together are stimulated at same time and sum to enhance depolarization

Absolute Refractory Period

Sodium channels are in inactivated state and not available to open and ensures that electrical signals travels in 1 direction

Schwann Cells

wrap around the axon of the neuron to form myelin sheath; provides insulation increasing conduction speed of electrical signal; causes disease called multiple scheloris

Saltaltory Conduction

Nerve impulses/action potentials jump from node to node

5 different taste modalities

Bitter, salty, sweet, umami, and sour

Flexor Reflex

Reflex initiated by painful stimulus causing autonomic withdrawl of threatened body part