Chapter 3 Neurons: The Origin of Behaviour Flashcards
Neuron
Cells in nervous system that communicate with one another to perform info-processing tasks
Santiago Cajal
Used Golgi staining to highlight appearance of neurons
Cell Body
Largest component of the neuron that coordinates info-processing tasks and keeps cells alive
Dendrites
Receive information
Axon
Carries information
Myelin Sheath
Insulating layer of fatty material
Glial Cells
Make up the sheath and act as support cells (e.g. digest parts of dead neurons, provide physical and nutritional support)
Synapse
Junction between axon and dendrite
Sensory Neurons
Receive information from external world
Motor Neurons
Carry signals from spinal cord to the muscles
Interneurons
Connect sensory neurons and motor neutrons
Purjinke Cells
Type of interneuron that carries information from cerebellum to rest of brain (BUSH)
Pyramidal Cells
Type of interneuron found in cerebral cortex (LONG DENDRITE)
Bipolar Cells
Type of sensory neuron found in the retinas of the eye with single axon and single dendrite
Conduction
Movement of electric signal within neurons
Transmission
Movement of electric signal from one neuron to the other
Resting Potential
Difference in electric charge between inside and outside of neuron’s cell membrane
High K and A inside, high Na and Cl outside
Action Potential
Electric signal that is conducted along the length of a neuron’s axon to synapse
All or none
Refractory Period
Time following an action potential
Node of Ranvier
Electric current jumps from node to node in saltatory conduction
Terminal Buttons
Contain vesicles with neurotransmitters
Receptors
Parts of cell membrane that receive neurotransmitters
Three Processes of Neurotransmitter Leaving
1 Reuptake
2 Deactivation
3 Bind to autoreceptors
Acetylcholine
Involved in voluntary motor control
Dopamine
Involved in motor behaviour, motivation, pleasure, emotional arousal
Glutamate
Involved in transmission of information between neurons; primary excitatory neurotransmitter (VS GABA)
Norepinephrine
Involved in states of vigilance and heightened awareness
Serotonin
Involved in regulation of sleep and wakefulness, eating and aggressive behaviour
Endorphin
Involved in pain pathways and emotion centers
Agonists
Drugs that increase the action of neurotransmitter