C2 Behavior Flashcards
How does your nervous system affect you?
different parts of your nervous system processes info to come up with certain responses.
nervous system
(electrochemical nervous system) a network of billions of cells in the brain and body. It is responsible for all aspects of what we think, feel and do.
Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s SKELETAL MUSCLES
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
(sensory and motor) The part of the nervous system that consists of all the nerve cells throughout the body EXCEPT THE BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD
Neurons
The basic units of the nervous system cells that receive, integrate and transmit info in the nervous system. neurons operate through electrical impulses, communicate w/ other neurons through chemical signals, and form neural networks
Dendrites
Branchlike extension of the neuron’s cell body w/ receptors that receive info from other neurons
cell body
part of the neuron where info from thousands of other neurons is collected and integrated
axon
a long narrow outgrowth of a neuro’s cell body that lets the neurons transmit info to other neurons
terminal buttons
parts of the neuron at the end of the AXONS that release chemical signals from the neuron into the synapse
Synapse
the space between neurons where communication takes place through neurotransmitters
neurotransmitters
chemical substances that carry signals from one neuron to another. It also binds to receptor sites.
Neuron Structure (think about anatomy)
- Messages are received by the dendrites
- processed in the cell in body
- transmitted along the axon
- sent to other neurons through neurotransmitters
- then released from terminal buttons into the synapse
Name a few neurotransmitters
= Ach(Acetylcholine): Enables muscle action, learning, and memory. Common with Alzheimer; Ach deteriorates
- Dopamine: Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion. Excess dopamine receptor activity linked to Schizophrenia
- Serotonin: mood regulation, hunger, sleep, and arousal.
Norepinephrine: helps control alertness and arousal
GABA: A major inhibitory neurotransmitter
Glutamate: A major excitatory neurotransmitter involved w/ memory
Lock and Key Mechanism
Neurotransmitters bind to the receptors of the receiving neuron in a key-lock mechanism.
AGONIST
MIMICS neurotransmitters
ANTAGONIST
BLOCKS neurotransmitters
Endocrine system
The body’s “SLOW” chemical communication system –> carried out by hormones synthesized by a set of glands
Hormones
chemicals synthesized by the endocrine glands that are secreted into the bloodstream. It affects the brain and many other tissues in the body. EX: EPEPINEPRHINE (ADRENALINE) INCREASES HEARTRATE, BLOOD PRESSURE, BLOOD SUGAR AND FEELINGS
EEG (ELECTROCENREPEHALOGRAM)
recording of electric waves measured by electrodes placed on scalp
PET SCAN
detects a radioactive form of glucose while the brain performs a given task
Brain Stem
(medulla) is a base of the brainstem that controls heartbeat and breathing.
Reticular Formation
nerve network in the brainstem that is important w/ arousal
Thalamus
brains sensory switchboard. Located on the top of the brainstem. It directs messages to the sensory areas in the cortex + transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla
Cerebellum
“little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem. Helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance.
Limbic System
associated with emotions such as fear, aggression and drives for food and sex. INCLUDES HIPPOCAMPUS, AMYGDALA, AND HYPOTHALAMUS.
Amygdala
consists of 2 almond shaped neural clusters linked to the emotions fear + anger
cerebral cortex
interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemisphere. The body’s ultimate control + info processing center
Aphasia
impairment of language either brocas area (impaired speaking) or Weirnicks area (impaired understanding)
brain is divided into 2 hemispheres
left hemisphere: processes READING, WRITING, SPEAKING, MATH AND COMPREHENSION
right hemisphere: VISUAL SPATIAL PROCESSING
Action potential
The neural impulse that travels along the axon + causes the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse
Myelin Sheath
a fatty, insulating layer that wraps around nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain and spinal cord. It’s made up of protein and fatty substances, and its main function is to increase the speed at which electrical impulses travel along nerve cells
