Chapter 2 part 1 Flashcards
Neuron
A nerve cell, the basic building blocks of the nervous system.
Biological psychology
A branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior.
Dendrite
The bushy branching extensions of a neuron that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.
Axon
The extension of a neuron ending in branching terminal fibers through which messages pass to other neurons, muscles or glands.
Myelin Sheath
A layer of fatty tissue segmentally encasing the fibers of many neurons. Enables greater transmission speed of impulses.
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.
Synapse
The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving cell body.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that traverse the synaptic gaps between neurons.
Acetylcholine ach
A neurotransmitter that enables learning and memory and also triggers muscle contraction.
Endorphins
‘Morphine within’ natural opiate like Neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure.
Nervous system
The body’s speedy electrochemical communication network consisting of all the central nervous system.
Central nervous system
The brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
Dopamine
Influences movement learning, attention and emotion.
Serotonin
Affects mood hunger sleep and arousal.
Sensory nerves
Apart of SIM. Carry incoming information from the sense receptors to the central nervous system.
Motor neurons
Carry outgoing information from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.
Interneurons
Connect the two neurons (sensory and motor) SIM
Somatic nervous system
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscle.
Autonomic nervous system
Part of the PNS that controls the glands and other muscles
Sympathetic nervous system
Division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing it energy in stressful situations.
Parasympathetic nervous system
Division of the ANS that calms the body, conserving energy.
Reflex
Information is carried from skin receptors along a sensory nerve to the spinal cord.
Neural network
Interconnected neurons form networks in the brain. These networks are complex and modify with growth and experience.
Endocrine system
The body’s slow chemical communication system. Communication is carried out by hormones synthesized by a set of glands.
Hormones
Chemicals synthesized by the endocrine glands that are secreted in the blood stream. Affects brain and tissue in the body
Pituitary glands
‘Master gland’ the anterior lobe releases hormones that regulate other glands. The posterior lobe regulates water and salt balances.
Adrenal glands
Adrenal glands consist of the adrenal medulla and the cortex. The medulla secretes during stressful and emotional situations, while the adrenal cortex regulates salt and carbohydrate metabolism.
