Ch 2 Flashcards
parts of neurons
soma, dendrites, axon, axon buttons, synapse, nodes of ranvier, myelin sheath
glial cells
cells that are a structure for neurons to latch onto; regulate neuron nutrients, communication, death
dendrites
recieve messages and neurotransmitters
soma
main cell body with nucleus
axon
electrical impule akes message and sends next message, fibrous
nodes of ranvier
breaks in the myelin sheath of the axon so impulses move faster
neuron firing
all or nothing; starts charged, thriugh diffusion positive ions are absorbed into neuron and the charge is reversed (action potential); the ability to diffuse is regulated by voltage applied to the membrane; after firing positive Na ions are pumped out again
neuron and neurotransmitter interaction
axon buttons have synaptic besticles containing the transmitters; when fired, vesticles release transmitters and a process called “reuptake” lets them take back excess transmitter molecules; the neurotransmitter is then recepted by dendtrites
agonist neurotransmitter
mimics transmitter or enhances it to get more of a reaction
antagonist neurotransmitter
chemical that blocks receptors in the dendrites and prevents neurotransmitter reaction
central nervous system
brain and spinal cord
spinal cord
connects brain to peripheral nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
autonomic system and somatic system
Autonomic nervous system
automatic regulation of body; parasympathetic and sympathetic systems
Somatic nervous system
carries senseoy info and controls skeletal system; sensory and motor systems
Parasympathetic nervous system
maintains body functions under normal conditions and works to conserve energy
Sympathetic nervous system
prepares body to react to stress, uses a lot of energy
Sensory nervous system
carries messages from senses to CNS
Motor nervous system
carries messages from CNS to skeletal system
interneurons
connect the motor system to the sensory; within the inner part of the spinal cord; responsible for reflexes
pituitary gland
master of the endocrine system; directs hormone production from hypothalamus instructions
pineal gland
responsible for biological rhythms and melatonin (sleep)
thyroid gland
regulates growth and metabolism
pancreas
controls blood sugar
gonads
sexual behavior and reproduction
adrenal glands
stress and sympathy
lesioning studies
study organisms with damage to the target area of the brain
Brain stimulation
uses electrical stimulation of the brain; invasively insert probe or use a magnet; neurons act as if they got a message
CT scan
x-rays of slices od the brain put together for a 2D image; good for blood flow (function) or damage to structures
EEG
records electrical pulses using electrodes on the scalp; functional only (no image); shows how long it takes to process stimuli
MRI/fMRI
uses magnetic field to measure alignment of H+; most thorough picture for structure or function
PET scan
radioactive glucose injected and scanned for absorption; shows blood flow and metabolic activity; detects problems in nervous system
Acetylcholine
action of muscles,earning, memory; high: muscles spasms, low: alzheimers
Dopamine
pleasure and reward; high: schizophrenia, low: parkinsons
Endorphins
euphoria and control of pain; low: addiction, high: natural opiate
Norepinephrine
released under stress; low: depression, high: anxiety
GABA
inhibits any neurons from firing so the right neuron is getting the right message; low: lethargic, high: bipolar
Glutamate
excititary, info processing an memory; high: brain damage after stroke
Serotonin
regulates sleep, mood, appetite, behavior; high: anxiety, low: depression
main depression neurotransmitter
low levels of serotonin
main alzheimers neurotransmitter
low levels of acetylcholine
main schizophrenia neurotransmitter
high dopamine
how drugs help neurotransmitter imbalances
agonists, antagonists, OR change the time that neurotransmitters are left in the synapse
afferent neurons
sensory neurons
efferent neurons
motor neurons
wernicke’s area
meaning behind words is lost
broca’s area
words are not produced in a smooth or coherent fashion
right hemisphere
visual perception, music/art processing, emotions, pattern recognition
left hemisphere
language, math calculations, logical processes, analysis of detail
parathyroid glands
glands that maintain correct calcium levels in the blood
Klinefelter’s syndrome
boy has an extra X chromosome, more feminine features
Turner’s syndrome
girl missing part/all of an X chromosome, undeveloped sexually and developmentally
Phineas Gage
pole through his skull, damaged brain, could still function somehow
nervous system
network of cells carrying info in the body
Cerebral cortex
Cerebral cortex
Medulla oblangata
control involuntary movement of the heart and lungs
Brain Stem
connects hindbrain to spinal cord
Reticular formation
filter’s your attention and alertness to environment
Cerebellum
coordinate voluntary muscle movements; “little brain”
Pons
facial expressions, breathing, sleep/wake cycle
Tectum
first vision processing; part of auditory processing
Tegmentum
motor control
Substantia nigra
regulates mood and dopamine (addiction)
Pineal gland
biological rhythm and melatonin (sleep)
Pituitary gland
master of the endocrine/hormone system
Hypothalamus
Hormones Homostasis Hunger
Thalamus
post office for all senses but smell
Basal ganglia
voluntary movement with intent
Limbic system
Memory Emotions Motivations Education
Septal area
dopamine to the brain, sweet and soothing
Amygdala
fear responses and memories of fear
Hippocampus
long term memory
Occipital lobes
interpret optic info
Parietal lobes
touch, taste, navigation
Somatosensory lobes
perceived senses; like there’s a map on your body; hot and cold
Frontal lobes
emotions, consequences, goals
Motor cortex
voluntary muscles in face and limbs
Temporal lobes
auditory info and language
Corpus Callosum
connects left and right brain and facilitates
Glial Cells
myelin sheath, protection, regulation, nutrients
Meninges
protection, tissue full of spinal fluid between skull and brain
Gyri
the bumps that help scrunch up neurons to fit more for higher level cognition
Sulci
the creases that help scrunch up neurons to fit more for higher level cognition
