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PSYC 101 > 3) Nerve Cells & Communication > Flashcards

3) Nerve Cells & Communication Flashcards

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1
Q

Name the type of cells in the nervous system

A

Nerve cells
- Sensory
- Motor
- Interneuron

Glial cells
- Astrocytes
- Oligodendrocyte

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2
Q

Neuron

A
  • Nerve cell specialized for communication
  • Differ in shape and size depending on function and location
  • Contains genetic material like other cells
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3
Q

What are the parts to a neuron?

A

Dendrites - receives signals
Axons - sends signals

Soma
- Cell body
- Central region that manufactures and renews cell components / molecules
- Contains nucleus where proteins are made

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4
Q

How does a neuron differ from other cells?

A
  • Has electrified membrane that enables exchange of electrical & chemical signals
  • Are not easily replaceable or interchangeable
  • Each neuron acquires unique functions and connections based on experiences
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5
Q

What are glial cells?

A

Plays a role in the formation of myelin and the blood-brain barrier
“Glue”
Protects neurons
Responds to injury
Removes debris
Facilitates communication among neurons
Enhances learning and memory

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6
Q

Astrocyte

A
  • The most abundant glial cell, especially in blood-brain barrier
  • Communicate with neurons, increase accuracy of transmission
  • Help control blood flow in brain
  • Vital role in development of embryo
  • Involved in thought, memory, immune system
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7
Q

Which glial cell plays a crucial role in the blood brain barrier?

A

astrocytes

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8
Q

What is the blood-brain barrier?

A

Protective shield of blood vessels that insulate brain from infection/intruders
Lots of astrocytes
Security system of brain, ensures that our knowledge, thoughts, & abilities remain intact

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9
Q

Oligodendrocyte

A

Type of glial cell that produces myelin sheath in brain and spinal cord (CNS)
Promotes new connections among nerve cells
Releases chemicals that help healing

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10
Q

which glial cell produces the myelin sheath?

A

oligodendrocyte

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11
Q

which glial cell plays a vital role in the development of embryo, and helps control blood flow in the brain?

A

astrocyte

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12
Q

which glial cell promotes new connections and helps with healing?

A

oligodendrocyte

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13
Q

what is the name of the most abundant glial cell?

A

astrocyte

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14
Q

myelin sheath

A

Glial cells wrapped around axons that act as insulators of neuron’s signal
Speeds up transmission of electrical signals down the length of axon
Gaps called nodes that allow signal to jump along

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15
Q

Sclerosis

A

Degrading myelin sheath, so signals and messages can’t travel reliably
Results in symptoms like coordination problems

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16
Q

What are the two ways that neurons communicate?

A
  1. action potential
    - within cell process, electrical
  2. synapse
    - between cell process, chemical
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17
Q

what is the electrical communication in neurons?

A

action potential transmit info WITHIN neurons
Neurons respond to neurotransmitters by generating electrical activity

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18
Q

What is the basis of all electrical responses / action potentials in neurons?

A

uneven distribution of charged particles across neuron membrane

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19
Q

what is the neuron membrane & what is on either side?

A

impermeable membrane with channels for ions to move thru

Outside: lots of Na
Inside: lots of K

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20
Q

what is membrane potential?

A

diff in charge between inside & outside cell
(inside minus outside)

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21
Q

Resting potential

A

No NTs acting on neuron, not stimulated
Electrical charge difference (-70mV) across neuronal membrane
There are more negative particles inside of neuron than outside

Outside cell = extracellular = 110mV
Inside cell = intracellular = 40 mV

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22
Q

Explain the concept of concentration gradient

A

ions move from high concentration to low concentration until balanced

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23
Q

Threshold of excitation

A

membrane potential or level of depolarization necessary to trigger an action potential

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23
Q

Threshold of excitation

A

membrane potential or level of depolarization necessary to trigger an action potential

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24
Q

Action potential & when it occurs

A

Wave of electrical impulse/signal that travels down the axon to synapse, triggers the release of NTs

Happens when charge inside neuron reaches high enough level relative to outside

Massive, momentary reversal of membrane from -70mV to +50mV
“All or none” response

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25
Q

what is the universal language of neurons in all animals? aka how neurons communicate?

A

action potential

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26
Q

How does the action potential work?

A

Originate in trigger zone near cell body
Positive particles flow into and out of axon quickly
Inside charge end up at slightly more negative than resting value
Shifts in charge produce a release of electricity
Triggers release of NTs when it reaches axon terminal

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27
Q

What are the 5 phases of the action potential?

A
  1. Resting state
  2. Depolarization
  3. Rising phase
  4. Falling phase
  5. Undershoot or Refractory period
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28
Q

Which gates are open in resting state of the action potential?

A

Na closed
K closed
Inside -, outside +

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29
Q

Which gates are open in depolarization state of the action potential?

A

Na opens a bit, enters so that cell is less polar (less charged, becoming more positive)
K closed
Inside -, outside +

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30
Q

Which gates are open in rising state of the action potential?

A

Na open more, rushes in cuz concentration gradient (less Na on inside)
K still closed
Inside +, outside -

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31
Q

Which gates are open in falling state of the action potential?

A

Na closed
K open, leaving to outside
(cuz less K outside and lots of + charge on inside)
Inside -, outside +

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32
Q

Which gates are open in undershoot or refractory period of the action potential?

A

Na closed
K open, still leaving
Inside -, outside +
Membrane is hyperpolarized, can’t fire again during this point

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33
Q

Absolute refractory period

A

Brief time during which another action potential is impossible
Limits the maximal firing rate

Action potential can only happen once the membrane has reset to resting potential

More limiting on long axons

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34
Q

Unmyelinated vs myelinated transmission

A

unmyelinated: slower since action potentials along entire axon

myelinated: faster cuz less action potentials happening, only at nodes

35
Q

oligodendrocyte vs schwann cells

A

oligo myelinate CNS
Schwann myelinated PNS

36
Q

neurotransmission

A

chemical communication of info AMONG neurons

NTs bind with receptor sites on dendrites after release into synapse
Lock and Key!

37
Q

describe the lock and key analogy

A

in neurotransmission, receptor sites (lock) recognize specific types of NT (key)

38
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

Chemical messengers specialized for communication between neurons

Either excite or inhibit postsynaptic neuron

Specific types often found in specific “pathways” or regions of brain

39
Q

What does exciting/inhibiting a neutron mean?

A

Increase or decrease likelihood of firing action potential

40
Q

Concentration of NT is controlled by what 3 things?

A
  1. Autoreceptors
  2. Reuptake
  3. Degrading enzymes
41
Q

Autoreceptors

A

when too high concentration of NT, this binds to presynaptic cell to signal it to stop releasing the NT

42
Q

Reuptake

A

recycling mechanism of NTs, a continually occurring process where pre synaptic vesicle reabsorb NTs

43
Q

Degrading enzymes

A

enzymes that are released into synapse to break down NTs, regulating NT concentration

44
Q

Glutamate

A

Excitatory NT
Enhanced learning and memory
Relay sensory info

ex/ MSG in food

45
Q

What are the two most common neurotransmitters in the CNS?

A

Glutamate and GABA

46
Q

Schizophrenia is caused by too much of what NT?

A

glutamate, toxic to receptors

47
Q

GABA

A

Inhibitory NT
Learning, Memory, Sleep

48
Q

Anti anxiety drugs would bind to what NT receptors?

A

GABA

49
Q

Drugs target what NT to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression, or epilepsy?

A

GABA

50
Q

Acetylcholine

A

Can inhibit or excite depending on where it’s released

Arousal, attention, memory, sleep

Alzheimer’s: neurons with this NT are slowly destroyed = memory loss

51
Q

Those with Alzheimer’s do not have enough of which NT?

A

acetylcholine

52
Q

Acetylcholine plays what role in the PNS?

A

Voluntary muscle control
Internal organs

53
Q

Acetylcholine plays what role in the brain?

A

Regulation of attention / arousal
Learning & Memory
Sleep & dreaming

54
Q

Dopamine

A

NT that regulates motivation & pleasure
Emotional arousal
Motor behavior

55
Q

which NT plays a large role in addictions like gambling?

A

dopamine

55
Q

which NT plays a large role in addictions like gambling?

A

dopamine

56
Q

serotonin

A

NT that regulates sleep & wakefulness
Appetite, social behavior, sexual desire

57
Q

Norepinephrine

A

NT involved in states of heightened awareness of dangers in envo
Increases alertness, arousal, attention

58
Q

which two NT regulate mood, sleep, and memory?

A

serotonin and norepinephrine

59
Q

endorphins

A

Naturally occurring pain killer

Acts within
- pain pathways to reduce pain
- emotional centers of brain to elevate mood

60
Q

EPSP

A

Excitatory Post Synaptic Potential

Depolarize postsynaptic membrane
Increase likelihood that postsynaptic neuron will fire

Ex/ from -70mV to -67mV

61
Q

IPSP

A

Inhibitory Post Synaptic Potential

Hyperpolarize postsynaptic membrane
Decreases likelihood that postsynaptic neuron will fire

Ex/ from -70 to -73mV

62
Q

an action potential can be generated by simultaneous _____

A

EPSPs

63
Q

synaptic vesicles

A

Spherical sac containing neurotransmitters
Amount of neurotransmitters is regulated by the cell

64
Q

synapse

A

Space between two connecting neurons where messages are transmitted chemically
Consists of synaptic cleft

65
Q

synaptic cleft

A

Gap into which neurotransmitters are released from axon terminal
Axon doesn’t actually touch dendrites

66
Q

Receptor Site

A

Location that uniquely recognizes a NT

67
Q

Psychoactive Drugs

A

Interact with neurotransmitter systems, affecting mood, thinking, arousal, behavior, etc

68
Q

most drugs impact some aspect of ____ in the following ways _____

A

neurotransmission

  • impact receptor binding
  • influence concentration of NT in cleft
69
Q

agonists vs antagonists

A

agonists increase or mimic effect of NT (opiates)
antagonist block effect of NT (botox)

70
Q

Neural Plasticity

A

Ability of nervous system to change over time, continually!
ex/ response to damage

Abilities like language, jealousy, morality, aren’t fixed or predetermined

71
Q

What is our super power, as humans?

A

adaptability!

72
Q

Development is most flexible during ____

A

early development

73
Q

Our brains don’t mature fully until?

A

early adulthood

74
Q

4 main ways of brain development

A
  1. growth of dendrites & axon
  2. synaptogenesis
  3. pruning
  4. myelination
75
Q

Pruning

A

Death of some neurons or retraction of axons to remove unuseful connections

Organizes neurons, which enhance communication (process info more efficiently with fewer neurons)

76
Q

In the brain, learning results in the formation of what?

A

new synapses and more connections
- the brain changes as we learn

77
Q

Potentiation

A

strengthening existing connections

78
Q

What are the two ways we learn?

A

potentiation and forming new connections

79
Q

Structural plasticity

A

changing shape of neurons is critical for learning
ex/ more dendrites when exposed to richer envo

80
Q

Neurogenesis

A

Creation of new neurons in adult brain

Importance: can possibly induce nervous system to heal itself even in adulthood

Controversial, first found in animals
- potentially involved in learning

81
Q

stem cells

A

have capacity to differentiate into more specialized cell,
but becomes permanent after choosing a direction
(muscle, blood, neuron)

82
Q

What type of cell is important in treating diseases, such as gene therapy?

A

stem cells can replace damaged cells
gene therapy = providing replacement genes

83
Q

controversy of embryonic stem cell research

A

potential for treating serious diseases
(cancer, alzheimers)
VS
they are a early form of human life

PSYC 101 (15 decks)

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