Ch. 2 Brain and Behavior Flashcards
neurons
the cells that facilitate communication within the nervous system
neurons in your brain connect with…
parts of your body outside your brain (receive sensory input from hands, send motor output to feet, etc.)
interneurons
neurons that serve only to connect to other nearby neurons (don’t reach farther out into body)
neurons that extend beyond the brain fall into two categories…
1) neurons that deliver messages to your brain
2) neurons that deliver messages from your brain
sensory neurons carry…
information to your brain from your senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch)
motor neurons carry…
messages from your brain to your muscles
reflex
an automatic motor response to sensory input
the center of each neuron is the…
cell body
cell body (or soma)
large central region of neuron; performs basic activities (production of energy to keep the neuron functional)
axon
the part of the neuron that carries information toward other neurons
axon terminals
small branches at the end of an axon that form connections with the next neuron
dendrites
branches at the end of neurons that receive signals from other neurons
myelin sheath
a protective sleeve of fatty material that surrounds the axon
glial cells
cells that support and protect neurons throughout the brain
myelin sheath in neuronal communication…
makes sure that messages travel through axons at max. speed and with minimal loss
deterioration of the myelin sheath is…
multiple sclerosis (MS): a disease that can affect movement/sensation
When a signal from a neuron makes it successfully through the axon…
the message travels from an axon terminal of one neuron to a dendrite of the next neuron
synapse
a gap between two connecting neurons
neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that travel across synapses from one neuron to the next
drugs that enhance the impact of a neurotransmitter…
agonists
drugs that interfere with the impact of a neurotransmitter…
antagonists
neurotransmitters travel in…
synaptic vesicles
synaptic vesicles
tiny, sacklike containers for neurotransmitters
receptor sites
openings in dendrites that match specific neurotransmitters like a lock fits a specific key
reuptake
the process when a neurotransmitter is taken back up by the sending neuron after failing to land in a receptor site in the receiving neuron
action potential
the release, or firing, of an electrical impulse that travels through the axon
the all or nothing response:
when action potentials either happen completely or don’t happen at all
resting potential
the low-level electrical charge in a neuron that is not firing
threshold
the level of electrical charge required to trigger an action potential
refractory period
a waiting time before another action potential can begin, during which the neuron is reset
in humans neuron connections depend on…
experience, especially early life experience
other species are hard wired at birth, meaning…
certain axon terminals are connected to certain dendrites across synapses from day one
humans adaptability allows each of our brains to…
customize the synaptic connections we need and make that determination while we grow up
Neurotransmitter that reduces pain/increases pleasure
Endorphins
Neurotransmitter that influences brain’s reward system/body’s movement
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter that influences mood (sleep/appetite)
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter that helps fight-or-flight response
Epinephrine (adrenaline)
Neurotransmitter that influences immune system
Histamine
Neurotransmitter that helps activate muscles
Acetylcholine
Neurotransmitter that helps control anxiety
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Neurotransmitter that helps memory/learning/brain development
Glutamate
