Biopsych Flashcards
Why study the brain?
ENRICHES understanding of psychological phenomena at a neural level.
PROVIDES justification for some of our quirks
Receives, Sends messages within a system
Neuron
Parts of a Neuron (and their functions)
Dendrites, Soma, Axon, Myelin Sheathe, Axon Terminals, Synaptic Vesicles, Nodes of Ranvier
What are Glial Cells?
Similar to STEM CELLS, they are what neurons develop on. They hold the neurons in place They get nutrients to the neurons They clean up remains of dead neurons They provide insulation for neurons
Lack of Glial Cells
Major Depressive Disorder
Excess of Glial Cells
Schizophrenia
Synaptic Vesicles
Contain Neurotransmitters in the form of chemicals suspended in fluid
Function of Neurotransmitters?
Transmit messages from one neuron to another
Ion Channels?
They are the receptor sites which allow only specific molecules of certain shapes to fit into
Describe the way these Synaptic vesicles release the neurotransmitters?
The electrical charge goes through the axon, reaching the terminals with the synaptic vesicles. These vesicles get excited and release the neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap.
Types of Neurotransmitters
Excitatory (Turns on a cell)
Inhibitory (Turns off a cell)
Types of Neurons
Afferent (Sensory)
Efferent (Motor)
Interneuron (Neuron-Neuron)
Types of Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine Norepinephrine Dopamine Serotonin Gaba-aminobutyric acid Gulatmate Endorphins Adenosine
Acetylcholine
Excitatory/Inhibitory - Arousal, Attention, Memory, Muscle contractions
Norepinephrine
Excitatory - Arousal and Mood
Dopamine
Excitatory/Inhibitory - Control of movement, anticipation, sensations of pleasure
Serotonin
Excitatory/Inhibitory - Sleep, Mood, Anxiety and Apetite
Gaba-aminobutyric acid
MAJOR inhibitory - Sleep and inhibits movement
Glutamate
MAJOR excitatory - learning, memory formation, nervous system development, and cause of synaptic plasticity
Endorphins
Inhibitory - Pain relief and pleasure
Adenosine
Inhibitory - Sleepiness
Parts of the Nervous System
Central - Brain and Spinal
Peripheral - Autonomic and Somatic
Autonomic - Parasympathetic and Sympathetic
Somatic - Sensory and Motor
Core of Central Nervous System
Brain
Parts of the Spinal Cord
and its function
Lighter Outer ( myelinated axons ), darker inner ( cell bodies of neurons )
ALLOWS FOR VERY FAST REFLEXES
Cerebellum
Coordination of Posture, Limb Movements and Balance
Thalamus
Relay from sensory organs to cerebral cortex
Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
Pathway from Vision to Thalamus
Medial Geniculate Nucleus
Pathway from auditory to Thalamus