Biological Basis Flashcards
neurons
basic cell of nervous system
dendrites
receive signals on nerve
soma
cell body
axon
signals travel down, “tail”
myelin sheath
“pillows” around axon, protect axon
terminals
release neurotransmitters
synapse
gap between neurons
action potential
movement of Na and K ions across membrane send an electrical charge down axon (moment of spike)
all or none law
a neuron either goes into full action potential or doesn’t
refractory period
neuron must rest and reset before it can send another action potential (toilet)
sensory neurons
recieve signals
afferent neurons
accept signals
motor neurons
send signals
efferent neurons
signal exits
central nervous system
brain and spinal chord
peripheral nervous system
rest of nervous system
somatic nervous system
voluntary movement, in periphreal ns
autonomic nervous system
involuntary movement, in ns
sympathetic ns
arouses the body, fight/flight system
parasympathetic ns
established homeostasis after a sympathetic response
neurotransmitters
chemicals released in a synaptic gap, send signals to neurotransmitters
seratonin
regulates mood, too little linked with depression
acetylcholine
memory and muscle movement, too little linked with alzheimers
GABA
inhibatory, calming, too little and too much can lead to insomnia and seizures
