Bio Psych Flashcards
Nervous System
Communication systems of our body
Send signals of pain, pleasure, emotions, reflexes, etc.
Neuron
Cell in the nervous system that sends and receives messages
Axon
Long structure off of the cell body that transmits information to the next cell
Dendrite
Branches off of the cell body, receiving information from other cells
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that allow neurons to communicate with one another
Different types of neurons
Sensory
Motor
Interneurons
Sensory
Gather information from the senses
Motor
Allow the brain to tell the body how to move
Interneurons
Excite or inhibit communication between sensory and motor neurons
Resting Potential
The stable state of a neuron that is not transmitting messages
Action Potential
Wave of electrical activity that travels the length of the axon
Refractory Period
Time when a neuron cannot fire
Cycle
Rest –> Action –> Recover
Glial Cells
Cells that protect brain cells and help synchronize the cell’s communication
Myelin Sheath
Insulation between axons helps and make communication between cells efficient
Norepinephrine
Keeps your mind alert
Keeps tabs on your environment
Processes information so you can make quick decisions
Serotonin
Responsible for regulating your sleeping and eating behaviors, as well as your mood
Regulates feelings of sadness or anxiety
Dopamine
Affects mood, motivation, and feeling rewarded
Eating, drinking, exercise, gambling, drugs
Connected to movement, as seen in Parkinson’s patients
Slide 21
Endorphins
Responsible for reducing pain
Delays feelings of pain momentarily so we can survive
4 parts of the brain
Hindbrain
Midbrain
Forebrain
Cerebral Cortex
Hindbrain
Controls the life-sustaining systems of the brain
Brainstem
Regulates sleep, breathing, heartbeat, etc.
Cerebellum
Controls movement, learning motor skills, balance