Bio-psychology Flashcards
Glial Cells
Play supporting roles in the nervous system such as providing scaffolding in which the nervous system is built, helps neurons line up with each other, transports nutrients and waste products, provides insulation to neurons, and mediates immune responses
Neurons
Have fundamental communication having to do with all functions associated with the nervous system. Their outer surface is made up of a semipermeable membrane that allows smaller molecules and molecules without an electrical charge to pass through.
The Soma
The cell body where the nucleus is located
Dendrites
Branching extensions of the soma that contain receptors for the neurotransmitters released by nearby neutrons
Axons
Major extension from the soma
Terminal Buttons
At the end of the axon and contains synaptic vesicles that have neurotransmitters
Myelin Sheath
Crucial to the normal operation of neurons. Coats the axon and acts as an insulator. It’s not continuous and has gaps
Synaptic Cleft
A very small space between two neurons and a very important site where communication between neurons occurs
Corresponding Receptors
Proteins on the cell surface where neurotransmitters attach
Process Summary
The site where the dendrites receive signals from other neurons is the synapses. This signal is processed in the soma and if the signal is strong enough, it’s pushed down the axon. It reaches the terminal buttons, where another signal triggers neurotransmitters to be released passing through the synaptic cleft and onto the dendrites of another neuron
Membrane Potential
The difference in charge across the membrane which provides energy for the signal
Resting Potential
When the neuron membrane’s potential is held in a state of readiness with ions lined up on either side like a stretched out rubber band
Depolarization
When a cell’s charge becomes positive or less negative
Threshold of Excitement
Once the charge reaches this point, there is a massive influx of Na+ ions and a huge positive spike in the membrane potential. At the peak of the spike, the sodium gates close and the potassium gates open, allowing positive ions to leave
Action Potential
Caused by the positive spike and is an electrical signal that moves down the axon to the terminal buttons
Reuptake
The process in which extra neurotransmitters are pumped back into the neuron they came from in order to clear the synapses
Agonists
Chemicals that mimic a neurotransmitter at the receptor site and strengthens it’s effects
Antagonists
Blocks normal activity of a neurotransmitter at the receptor
Reuptake Inhibitors
Prevent unused neurotransmitters at the receptor site from being transported back to its original neuron and remain active in the synapses longer
SARIs
Drugs that act as both antagonists and reuptake inhibitors
Peripheral Nervous System
Comprised of both the somatic and autonomic nervous system, and connects the CNS to the rest of the body
Somatic Nervous System
Transmits sensory and motor signals to and from the central nervous system
Autonomic Nervous System
Controls the function of our organs and glands and can be divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions