2 - Biology of Mind and Behavior Flashcards
Mental contents
Knowledge, beliefs, ideas, desires, feelings
Mental processes
Sets of operations that carry out a function, such as attention, or memory, or perception
Sensory neuron
A neuron that responds to signals from sensory organs and transmits those to the brain/spinal cord
Motor neuron
Neuron that sends signals to muscles in order to control movement
Interneuron
Neuron that connects to other neurons
Brain circuit
A set of neurons that work together to receive input, and produce output
Axon
The sending end of a neuron, long cable like structure extending from the cell body
Terminal button
A structure at the end of a branch of an axon that can release chemicals
Dendrite
The treelike part of a neuron that receives messages from the axons of other neurons
Resting potential
Negative charge within a neuron at least. Arises because of how ions are distributed inside and outside the cell.
Action potential
The shifting change in charge that moves down the axon
All or none
if the neuron is sufficiently stimulated, it fires. It either fires, or it doesn’t.
Myelin
A fatty substance that helps impulses travel down the axon
Synapse
where an axon of one neuron sends a signal to the membrane of another neuron (includes the sending portions of the axon, the receiving portions of the next neuron, and the synaptic cleft in between)
Acetylcholine
Muscle contraction, memory, arousal
Dopamine
motivation, reward, movement, thought, learning
Noradrenaline/norepinephrine
Dreaming, attention
Serotonin
Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter regulating mood, sleep
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Inhibits sending neuron
Endogenous cannabinoids
Memory, attention, emotion, movement control, appetite. **Released by the receiving neuron
Agonist
A chemical that mimics the effects of a neurotransmitter by activating a type of receptor
Receptor
A site on a dendrite or cell body where a neurotransmitter attaches itself (the lock to the neurotransmitter key)
Reuptake
the process by which surplus neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft is reabsorbed
Antagonist
A chemical that blocks the effect of a neurotransmitter (block receptors)
Glial cell
A type of cell that helps neurons to form both synapses and connections when the brain is developing, influences the communication among neurons, and cares for neurons
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The autonomic nervous system and sensory-somatic nervous system
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Controls smooth muscles, some glandular functions, self-regulating activities
Sympathetic Nervous System
(part of the ANS) Fight or Flight:
- speeds heart, increases breathing, dilates pupils, sweat, decreases saliva)
Parasympathetic Nervous System
(part of the ANS) Slows things down (counteracts the sympathetic)
Sensory-somatic nervous system (SSNS)
(part of the PNS) consists of neurons in the sensory organs, and neurons that trigger muscles and glands