Biopsychology Flashcards
What is a neuron?
A nerve cell which transfers information throughout the nervous system
What is a synapse?
The gaps between two neurons which an impulse must travel
What is a neurotransmitter?
Chemicals that are released from a synaptic vesicle into the synapse
They transfer an impulse to another neuron or muscle
What is the fight or flight response?
A state of physiological arousal when the body is prepared for action
What is Adrenalin?
The hormone released as part of the fight or flight response
What is the difference between and inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter?
An excitatory neurotransmitter increases the chance of transmission to an adjacent cell and inhibitory has a decrease d chance of transmission
Using an example of a gland and hormone outline the function of the endocrine system (don’t use adrenal)
4 marks
The gastric gland in the stomach produces gastrin
It helps regulate the stomach in digestion which is the job of the endocrine system (to regulate the body’s organs and systems)
When food enters the stomach, the endocrine system communicates with organs and brings about change so it stimulates the secretion of mucus and HCl to aid chemical digestion
What is the role of the dendrite?
It receives the nerve impulse from the adjacent neurons
What is the role of the axon?
Where the electrical signals pass along
What is the role of the myelin sheath
Insulates the axon so that the electrical impulse is not lost to the surroundings
What is the synaptic terminal?
Sends signals to an adjacent cell as a chemical message
Describe the process of synaptic transmission
Electric pulse arrives in axon terminal, electric impulse causes the synaptic terminals to release the neurotransmitters, neurotransmitter moves across the gap (synapse), it is collected by the receptors in the dendrite of the adjacent cell which generates a new electric impulse
