What term describes the inability to move due to impairment in the nervous system?

The term that describes the inability to move due to impairment in the nervous system is paralysis. Paralysis occurs when there is damage to the motor neurons, which can result from various causes, such as spinal cord injuries, strokes, or certain neurological disorders. This condition can affect specific areas of the body, leading to partial or complete loss of movement. Understanding paralysis is crucial in the context of the biological bases of behavior, as it directly relates to how the nervous system controls and influences motor functions.

The other terms listed have different meanings. Synapse refers to the junction between neurons where communication occurs; glia are supportive cells in the nervous system that play various roles but are not directly involved in movement, and dendrites are structures that receive signals from other neurons. While these components are essential for understanding the functioning of the nervous system, they do not define the inability to move as paralysis does.