Biological Perspective: Nervous System Flashcards
network of cells that carries information to and from all parts of the body
Nervous System
branch of the life sciences that deals with the structure and functioning of the brain and the neurons, nerves, and nervous tissue that form the nervous system
Neuroscience
branch of neuroscience that focuses on the biological bases of psychological processes, behavior, and learning; primary area associated with the biological perspective in psychology
Biological Psychology or
Behavioral Neuroscience
the basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within that system
Neuron
parts of the neuron that receive messages from other cells
Dendrites
part of the cell that contains the nucleus and keeps the entire cell alive and functioning
Soma (Cell body)
a fiber attached to the soma, and its job is to carry messages out to other cells
Axon
enlarged ends of axonal branches of the neuron, responsible for communicating with other nerve cells
Axon Terminals
cells that provide support for the neurons to grow on and around, deliver nutrients to neurons, produce myelin to coat axons, clean up waste products and dead neurons, influence information processing, and during prenatal development, influence the generation of new neurons
Glia or Glial Cells
fatty substances produced by certain glial cells that coat the axons of neurons to insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse
Myelin
bundles of myelin-coated axons travel together as “cables” in the peripheral nervous system
Nerves
bundles of myelin-coated axons travel together as “cables” in the central nervous system
Tracts
Neural Impulse:
a neuron at rest has a ________ charge inside and a _______ charge outside due to the distribution of ions
negative; positive
Neural Impulse:
________ ions are concentrated outside, while ________ and large negative protein ions remain inside
sodium (Na⁺); potassium (K⁺)
Neural Impulse: the cell membrane is ____________, allowing ions to pass through gated channels that open and close based on electrical signals
semipermeable
What’s the difference between strong stimulation and weak stimulation?
a strong message will cause the neuron to fire repeatedly and it will also cause more neurons to fire
Neurotransmission:
when a neural signal reaches the axon terminals, it triggers synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitters into the ________ _____
synaptic gap
Neurotransmission:
if the neurotransmitter activates ion channels, sodium (Na⁺) enters, generating an _________ effect that continues the signal
excitatory effect
Neurotransmission:
if the neurotransmitter blocks the signal, it creates an _________ effect,
preventing activation
inhibitory effect
chemical messengers that enable communication between neurons and other cells; they are inside a neuron and they are going to transmit a message
Neurotransmitters
stimulates muscle contractions and is involved in memory, arousal, and attention; too little causes paralysis, while too much leads to convulsions
Acetylcholine (ACh)
influences movement and pleasure; low levels are linked to Parkinson’s disease, while high levels are associated with schizophrenia
Dopamine (DA)
affects mood, sleep, appetite, and anxiety; low levels are linked to depression
Serotonin (5-HT)
the main excitatory neurotransmitter, essential for learning and memory; excessive of this can cause neuronal damage in conditions like Alzheimer’s and strokes
Glutamate
the major inhibitory neurotransmitter, calming anxiety and reducing nervous system activity; alcohol enhances its effects, leading to sedation
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
natural painkillers that block pain signals; their release explains why injuries sometimes don’t hurt immediately; drugs like morphine and heroin mimic this but lead to addiction by reducing natural endorphin production
Endorphins
Neurotransmission:
Most neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron and repackaged for future use. Drugs like cocaine block this process, keeping neurotransmitters in the synapse longer.
Reuptake
Neurotransmission:
Some neurotransmitters drift away from the synaptic gap naturally.
Diffusion
Neurotransmission:
Some neurotransmitters, like acetylcholine (ACh), are broken down by specialized enzymes to
allow for rapid muscle activity.
Enzymatic Degradation
Neurotransmission:
mimic or boost neurotransmitter activity
Agonists
Neurotransmission:
block neurotransmitter effects
Antagonists
two special types of Glial Cells
Oligodendrocytes
Schwann Cells
Type of Glial Cells:
produce myelin for the brain and spinal chord (CNS)
Oligodendrocytes
Type of Glial Cells:
produce myelin for the neurons of the body (PNS)
Schwann Cells
