Chapter 1: Flashcards
Biological Psychology
Branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior
Neuron
The basic building block of the nervous system
Action Potential
A neural impulse
A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
Threshold
The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse
Agonist
Enhance the activity of neurotransmitters
Antagonists
Inhibit the activity of neurotransmitters
GABA
Inhibits the firing of motor neurons
*Barbiturates, anti-anxiety drugs, and alcohol enhance GABA’s effects thereby calming anxiety
Acetycholine
- A motor stimulant
- Botox example
- Curare example
Dopamine
Very active in the brain’s pleasure centers
*Most pleasurable drugs (heroin, cocaine, cigarettes, caffeine) enhance dopamine’s effect
Endorphins
Another neurotransmitters associated with the brain’s pleasure centers
Drug Withdrawl
Receptor sites that have been bombarded become less sensitive
Nervous System
The body’s speedy, electrochemical communication system
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body
Sensory Neurons
Neurons that carry incoming information from the sense receptors to the central nervous system
Motor Neurons
Carry outgoing messages to the muscles and glands
Interneurons
Process info in the brain
Glial Cells (“glue cells”)
Hold neuron in place and provide nutrients
Hormones
Chemical messengers, mostly those manufactured by the endocrine glands, that are produced in one tissue and affect another
Adrenal Glands
A pair of endocrine glands just above the kidneys
Pituitary Glands
Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine gland
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA)
The HPA is the key element in the flight-or-fight response (sympathetic nervous system arousal)
Brainstem
Primitive central core
Limbic System
Associated with emotions and drives
