Chapter 3 - Biological Processes Flashcards
Neurons & 3 types
The cells in the nervous system that receive and transmit information 3 types: Sensory neurons Interneurons Motor neurons
Interneurons
Cells that transfer information from one neurons to another
Sensory neurons
Cells that carry environmental messages toward the spinal cord and brain
Motor neurons
Cells that carry information away from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands that directly produce behavior
Glial cells
Cells that fill the space between neurons, remove waste, or help neurons to communicate efficiently
Dendrites
The fibers that extend outward from a neuron and receive information from other neurons
Soma
The cell body of a neuron
Axon
The long tail-like part of a neuron that serves as the cell’s transmitter
Terminal buttons
The tiny swellings at the end of the axon that contain chemicals important to neural transmission
Synapse
The small gap between the terminal buttons of a neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron
Autonomic system
The collection of nerves that controls the more automatic needs of the body (heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, etc)
Part of the peripheral nervous system
Electroencephalograph (EEG)
A device used to monitor the gross electrical activity of the brain
Computerized tomography scan (CT scan)
The use of highly focused bed of X-rays to construct detailed anatomical maps of the living brain
For tumors or brain injuries - structure
Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
A method for measuring how radioactive substances are absorbed in the brain
It can be used to detect how specific tasks activate different areas of the living brain
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A device that uses magnetic fields and radio-wave pulses to construct detailed, three-dimensional images of the brain
Serves as diagnostic tool for brain abnormalities, such as tumors.
Neuroscience
A field of study directed at understanding the brain and how it relates to behavior
Resting potential
The tiny electrical charge in place between the inside and the outside of the resting neuron
Action potential
The all-or-none electrical signal that travels down a neuron’s axon
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that really information from one neuron to the next
Glutamate
The most common neurotransmitter in the brain;
Usually an excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in many aspects of brain functioning including memory
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter that plays multiple roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the excitation of muscle contractions
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter that had been linked to reward and pleasure systems in the brain;
Decreased levels have been linked to Parkinson’s disease, and increased levels have been linked to schizophrenia.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that has been linked o sleep, dreaming, and general arousal and may also be involved job some psychological disorders such as depression and schizophrenia
Gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA)
A neurotransmitter that may play a role in the regulation of anxiety; it generally produces inhibitory effects.
