Chapter 2: The Biological Perspective Flashcards
Transmits information to and from the CNS
Peripheral nervous system
Automatically regulates internal glands, and blood vessels, pupil dilation, digestion, and blood pressure. Branches from the PNS
Autonomic nervous system
Carries sensory information and controls movement of the skeletal muscles. Branches from PNS
Somatic nervous system
Maintains body functions under ordinary conditions. Saves energy. Branches from ANS
Parasympathetic division
Prepares the body to react and expand energy in times of stress. Branches from ANS
Sympathetic division
Branchlike structures that receive messages from other neurons.
Dendrites
Basic cell that makes up the nervous system
Neuron
The cell body of the neuron responsible for maintaining the life of the cell
Soma
Tubelike structure that carries the neural message to other cells
Axon
Fatty substance that coats the axons of the neurons to insulate and protect
Myelin sheath
Controls the brain and the spinal cord
Central nervous system
Process of molecules moving from areas of high concentration to low concentration
Diffusion
The state of the neuron when not firing a neural Impulse
Resting potential
The release of the neural impulse consisting of a reversal of the electric charge within the axon
Action potential
Rounded areas on the end of the axon terminals
Synaptic knob
Sac like structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals
Synaptic vesicles
Chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that when released has an effect on the next cell
Neurotransmitter
Microscopic fluid filled space between the synaptic knob of one cell and the dendrites or surface of the next cell
Synapse
Three dimensional proteins on the surface of the dendrites that are shaped only to fit certain neurotransmitters
Receptor sites
Synapse at which a neurotransmitter causes the receiving cell to fire
Excitatory synapse
Synapse at which a neurotransmitter cause the receiving cell to stop fire
Inhibitory synapse
Chemical substances that block or reduce a cells response to the action of other chemicals of neurotransmitters
Antagonists
Chemical substances that mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter on the receptor sites of the next cell increasing or decreasing the activity of that cell
Agonists
Excitatory or inhibitory; Involved in mood, sleep and appetite
Serotonin
Excitatory or inhibitory; involved in control of movement and sensations of pleasure
Dopamine
Inhibitory; involved in pain relief
Endorphins
