Chapter 3: Neuroscience and Behavior. Flashcards
Neurons
Cells in the nervous sytem that communicate with one another to perform informtion-processing tasks.
Glia
Cells that support the functionality of neurons by providing physical support, supplying nutrient and enhancing neuronal communication.
Cell body(soma)
The part of a neuron that coordinate information-processing tasks and keeps the cell alive. Functions such as protein synthesis, energy production and metabolism take place here.
Dendrites
The part of a neuron that recieves information other neurons abd relays it to the cell body. (tar emot information)
Axon
The part of a neuron that transmits information to other neurons, muscles and glands. (skickar information)
Myelin sheath
An insulting layer of fatty material made up of glial cells. (snabbar på processer)
Synapse
The junction or region between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another.
Sensory neurons
Neurons that recieve information from the external world and convey this information to the brain via the spinal cord.
Motor neurons
Neurons that carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produces movement.
Interneurons
Neurons that connect sensory neurons, motor neurons and other interneurons. Interneurons work together in small circuits to perform simple tasks, such as identifying the location of a sensory signal, and much more complicated ones, such as recognizing a familiar face.
Resting potential
The difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a neuron’s cell membrane.
Action potential
An electric signal that is conducted along the length of a neuron’s axon to a synapse.
Refractory period
The time following an action potential during which a new action potential cannot be initiated.
Terminal buttons
Knoblike structures that branch out from an axon
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that transmit information across the synapse to a receiving neuron’s dendrites.
Receptors
Parts of the cell membrane that receives neurotransmitters and initiate a new electric signal.
Acetylcholine (ACh)
A neurotransmitter involved in a number of functions, including voluntary motor control. Acetylcholine is found in neurons of the brain and in the synapses where axons connect to muscles and body organs, such as the heart. ACh also contributes to the regulation of attention, learning, sleeping, dreaming and memory.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter that regulates motor behavior, motivation, pleasure and emotional arousal.
Glutamate
A major excitatory neurotr
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Noradrenaline
A neurotransmitter that influences mood and arousal.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, eating and aggressive behavior.
Endorphins
Chemicals that act within the pain pathways and emotion centres of the brain.
Agonists
Drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter.
Antagonists
Drugs that block the function of a neurotransmitter.
Nervous system
An interacting network of neurons that conveys electrochemical information throughout the body.
Central nervous system (CNS)
The part of the nervous system that is composed of the brain and the spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the body’s organs and muscles.