Biological Factors 2a Flashcards
Examines the relationship between mind and body, neural mechanisms, and the influence of heredity on behavior.
Biological Psychology
body’s nerve cells which make up the nervous system
neuron
-input fibers that carry electrical signals into a neuron from connected cells.
dendrite
A long, tubular structure in a neuron that transmits action potentials
axon
a layer of fatty cells – also called glial cells – that surround the axon fibers of the neuron
myelin sheath
occurs when a neuron transmits an electrical charge down its axon, which terminates in the release of chemical signals in the form of neurotransmitters
action potential
the limits of one’s perceptions
threshold
where the end of one neuron meets the beginning of another neuron
synapse
a chemical messenger inside the body, produced only in the neurons
neurotransmitters
neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and muscle contraction
acetylcholine
neurotransmitters linked to reduced pain and increased pleasure
endorphins
Consists of all the nerve cells. It is the body’s speedy, electrochemical communication system.
nervous system
the entire complex of neurons, axons, and supporting tissue that constitute the brain and spinal cord. Primarily involved in mental activities and in coordinating and integrating incoming sensory messages and outgoing motor messages
central nervous system
all the nerves that branch out from the CNS components and extend to other parts of the body – to the sense organs, muscles, and glands. A communication relay going back and forth between the brain and the extremities
peripheral nervous system
neural “cables” containing many axons
nerves
nerves responsible for sensing a stimulus
sensory neurons
nerves responsible for carrying signals away from the central nervous system in order to initiate an action
motor neurons
any neuron that is neither sensory nor motor but connects other neurons within the central nervous system
interneurons
division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles
somatic nervous system
the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
autonomic nervous system
the division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations
sympathetic nervous system
ubdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which regulates bodily functions which are outside of voluntary control, therefore being automatic
parasympathetic nervous system