Biological Psychology - NEURONS Flashcards
What are neurons?
They are nerve cells in the nervous system that transmit and receive chemical signals. This is through the release and uptake of transmitters.
What does the cell body do?
It is the main part of the cell where the nucleus sits. It also contains mitochondria.
What does the nucleus do?
It houses the genetic material for that particular neuron.
What do dendrites do?
They are branches at the end top end of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.
What does the axon do?
It is a long branch from the cell body that passes electrical impulses down to the end of the neuron to allow it to communicate with others.
What does the myelin sheath do?
It is the fatty deposit that provides electrical insulation for an axon and allows electrical nerve impulses to be passed along.
What does the Nodes of Ranvier do?
They are the gaps between adjacent myelin sheath.
What are axon buttons?
They are the very end of a neuron where the nerve impulses becomes a chemical message that can be passed to the dendrite of another neuron.
What are neurotransmitters?
- They are chemicals within the nervous system that pass chemical messages from one neuron to the next.
- Each transmitter has a different function.
- They can be ‘excitatory’ - making a neuron MORE likely to trigger an action potential.
- They can be ‘inhibitory’ - making a neuron LESS likely to trigger an action potential.
What is the function of dopamine?
- It is a chemical precursor to noradrenaline so their functions are similar.
- Dopamine has been related to emotion and cognitive functions, as well as posture and control of movement.
- It has been associated with reinforcement in learning as well as dependency, such as addictions.
- Dopamine is used in hormonal regulation, such as control of the menstrual cycle.
What is the function of noradrenaline?
- It is also a neurotransmitter associated with emotion, particularly in mood control.
- It is involved in functions like sleeping and dreaming, as well as learning.
