2.1 The neuron Flashcards
neuroscience
The scientific study of the brain and nervous system.
neurons
Cells that transmit information within the nervous system.
glial cells (glia)
Cells in the nervous system that comprise the support system for the neurons.
cell body
The part of the neuron that contains its nucleus and the other biological machinery to keep the cell alive and that decides whether to generate a neural impulse in order to pass incoming information on to other neurons.
dendrites
Fibers projecting out of the cell body of a neuron whose function is to receive information from other neurons.
axon
The long, singular fiber projecting out of the cell body of a neuron, whose function is to conduct the neural impulse from the cell body to the axon terminals, triggering chemical communication with other neurons.
synaptic gap (synapse)
The microscopic gap between neurons across which neurotransmitters travel to carry their messages to other neurons.
neurotransmitter
A naturally occurring chemical in the nervous system that specializes in transmitting information between neurons.
myelin sheath
An insulating layer covering an axon that allows for faster neural impulses.
positron emission tomography (PET) scan
A visual display of the activity levels in various areas in the brain generated by detecting the amount of positron emission created by the metabolization of radioactive glucose in each area.
agonist
A drug or poison that increases the activity of one or more neurotransmitters.
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
A computerized image of the activity levels of various areas in the brain generated by detecting the amount of oxygen brought to each area.
antagonist
A drug or poison that decreases the activity of one or more neurotransmitters.
acetylcholine (ACH)
A neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and muscle movement.
dopamine
A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and mood states, thought processes, and physical movement.
Parkinson’s disease
A disease in which the person has movement problems such as muscle tremors, difficulty initiating movements, and rigidity of movement. These movement problems stem from a scarcity of dopamine in the basal ganglia.
blood–brain barrier
A protective mechanism by which the blood capillaries supplying the brain create a barrier that prevents dangerous substances access to the brain.
L-dopa
A drug for Parkinson’s disease that contains the precursors to dopamine so that once it is in the brain, it will be converted to dopamine.
selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs)
Antidepressant drugs that achieve their agonistic effect on serotonin and norepinephrine by selectively blocking their reuptake.
serotonin and norepinephrine
Neurotransmitters involved in levels of arousal and mood, sleep, and eating.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Antidepressant drugs that achieve their agonistic effect on serotonin by selectively blocking its reuptake.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It is involved in lowering arousal and anxiety and regulating movement.
endorphins
A group of neurotransmitters that are involved in pain relief and feelings of pleasure.
glutamate
The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It is involved in memory storage, pain perception, strokes, and schizophrenia.
