Page 1: Neural Control Systems and Membrane Potentials

The first page explores the fundamental mechanisms of neural control and membrane potentials in nerve cells. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work in opposition to maintain bodily homeostasis.

Definition: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for "fight or flight" responses, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, while the parasympathetic system promotes "rest and digest" functions.

Highlight: The sodium-potassium pump maintains resting membrane potential by actively transporting sodium ions out and potassium ions into the neuron, requiring ATP energy.

Example: During stress, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the liver to release glucose through glycogenolysis, providing energy for emergency responses.

Vocabulary: Baroreceptors are specialized stretch receptors that detect blood pressure changes in the aorta and carotid arteries.

The page details the process of membrane depolarization, explaining how stimulus-triggered sodium channel opening leads to action potential generation when threshold is reached.