Chapter 3: Biopsychology Flashcards
An individual nerve cell is called a ___.
neuron
Larges bundles of neurons are called ____.
Nerves
A white fatty substance that coats many nerves is called ____.
Myelin
What are the important roles of myelin?
-insulates nerves
- improves speed & precision of electrical impulses
Myelin supports the ____ impulses.
electrical
____ is a chemical transmission point between two neurons
Synapse
True/False: Neurons touch each other
False
Brain chemicals are also called _____.
Neurotransmitters
If there are more + neurotransmitters what happens?
The nerve will fire
The outermost layer of cells on most axons is called ____.
Neurilemma
What does neurilemma do?
Forms a tunnel that damaged cells can follow as they repair themselves
When you regain feeling after an injury this is because the ____ is working.
Neurilemma
What are psychoactive drugs?
Substances that alter mood, perception, memory, and self-control
What causes a hangover?
Psychoactive drugs provide a surplus of endorphins which tricks the brain into thinking it can stop producing them. So, when you are done drinking your brain is in a “resting” phase and has to begin producing the endorphins all over again because you are short of them.
How the brain can change and adapt is called _____.
Neuroplasticity