Biopsych: Neurons and synapse transmission Flashcards
Sensory neurons
Carry messages from the peripheral nervous system to the brain and spinal cord (CNS)
Example: smelling food or putting your hand on something hot
Motor neurons
Carry messages away from the brain and spinal cord (CNS) to muscles and organs
Connector/relay neurons
Only found in the visual system, brain and spinal cord
Receive messages from sensory neurons
Pass messages onto motor neurons
Re-uptake
Leftover neurotransmitters are taken back into the original cell and recycled
Enzymes
Break down any leftover neurotransmitters
Excitation
When the neurotransmitter increases the positive charge, which increases the likelihood that the neuron will fire and electrical impulse
Makes the next neuron carry the impulse
Inhibition
When the neurotranmitter increases the negative charge, decreasing the likelihood that the neuron will fire an electrical impulse
Stops the next neuron from carrying the impulse