Biological Psychology And Neurotransmission Flashcards
Biological Psychology
Study that links biology and psychology
Neuron
Nerve cell
Basic building block of nervous system
They work and communicate with each other
Dendrites
Neurons branching extensions that receive messages and conducts impulse to cell body
Axon
Neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands
Myelin sheath
Fatty tissue layer that encases axon
Speeds impulse
Action potential
A neural impulse
Brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
Refractory period
Period of inactivity after a neuron has fired
Threshold
Level of stimulation needed to trigger a neural impulse
All or none response
A neurons reaction of either firing or not
Synapse
Meeting point between neurons
Junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap between neurons
Released by sending neuron they travel across synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neurons
Reuptake
A neurotransmitters reabsorption by the sending neuron
Acetylcholine (ACh)
Learning & memory
Enables muscle action
Malfunction: paralyzed, Alzheimer’s, ACh producing neurons deteriorate
Dopamine
Influences movement
Learning
Attention
Emotion
Malfunction: oversupply: schizophrenia
Under supply: tremors and decreased mobility
Serotonin
Mood, hunger, sleep, arousal
Malfunction: undersupply linked to depressing
