Chapter 3: Biological Psychology Flashcards
neuron
cells specialized for communication and signaling
somatic nervous system
a
central nervous system
g
autonomic nervous system
a
neuron cell body (soma)
Central region where nucleus is located. Manufacture of new cell components
dendrites
Extensions on a neuron that accept signal from neighbor and pass along to cell body.
Axons
Long, tail-like extension on a neuron that sends signals.
Axon terminal
knob-like structure at the “end” of neuron, end of axon, where it meets synapse
Synaptic vesicles
Vesicle that contains neurotransmitters and travels along the axon until it arrives at axon terminal, where it releases its contents by fusing with membrane
Neurotransmitter
Chemical “messenger” specialized for communication between neurons – according to receptor availability
Synapse
Fluid-filled space between two neurons, neurotransmitters travel through.
Synaptic cleft
Gap between axon terminal and dendrite of next neuron, into which neurotransmitters are released from axon terminal.
Glial cells
Cells in the nervous system that play a role in formation of myelin and the blood-brain barrier, respond to injury, remove debris, and enhance learning and memory
Astrocytes
Most abundant type of glial cell. Communicate closely with neurons, increase the accuracy of transmission, help to control blood flow in the brain, and play vital role in embryo development. Involved in thought, memory, and the immune system.
blood-brain barrier
Protective shield that insulates brain from bad guys. Tiny blood vessels are wrapped in fatty coating that shuts out large molecules, highly charged molecules, and molecules that dissolve in water but not fat (so hydrophillic?).
Oligodendrocyte
Type of glial cell. Promotes new neuron connections, releases chemical to aid in healing, and produces myelin sheath.
Myelin sheath
insulate neuron’s signal. wrapped around axon, have nodes in between them for signal transmission.
Resting potential
The electrical charge difference across neuronal membrane when neuron is not being stimulated or inhibited.
Threshold
Necessary membrane potential to trigger action potential
Action potential
Electrical impulse that travels down the axon, releasing neurotransmitters at the axon terminal into synapse
Absolute refractory period
Time following an action potential when another action potential is impossible; limits maximal firing rate
“Firing”
describe neuron/action potential
Receptor sites
embedded in membrane of neighboring neuron’s dendrite that accepts specific neurotransmitters
Reuptake
Means of recycling neurotransmitters, via reuptake back into the axon terminal. This halts neurotransmission.
Psychoactive drugs
drugs that interact with neurotransmitter systems, affecting mood, thinking, arousal, or observable behavior
Agonists
increase receptor site activity
Antagonists
decrease receptor site activity
Plasticity
Ability for nervous system to change
synaptogenesis
formation of new synapses
“pruning”
dying of certain neurons and retraction of axons to remove connections that are no longer useful
Myelination
Insulation of axons
Potentiation
j
Neurogenesis
Creation of new neurons in the adult brain
Stem cell
a cell having the capacity to differentiate into a more specialized cell
