GLOSSARY

sensory neuron~are nerve cells that transmit sensory information (sight, sound, feeling, etc.). They are activated by sensory input, and send projections to other elements of the nervous system, ultimately conveying sensory information to the brain or spinal cord.


interneuron~a neuron that transmits impulses between other neurons, especially as part of a reflex arc.

preganglionic motor neuron~A motor neuron having a cell body located in the brain or spinal cord and a myelinated axon that travels out of the central nervous system as part of a cranial or spinal nerve before separating and extending into the autonomic ganglion.


chain ganglia~The bilaterally symmetric sympathetic chain ganglia, also called the paravertebral ganglia, are located just ventral and lateral to the spinal cord. The chain extends from the upper neck down to the coccyx, forming the unpaired coccygeal ganglion.

postganglionic motor neuron~A motor neuron that forms a synapse with one or more preganglionic motor neurons, is located outside the central nervous system and has its unmyelinated axon ending in smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or a gland.

Effector organ~cause something to happen. They produce an effect after the nerve has been stimulated, such as a muscle contracting or a gland secreting a substance.

Reason~a reaction to something