Chapter Three Flashcards
Neurons
cells in the nervous system that communicate with one another to preform information-processing tasks
Three parts of a neuron
cell body, dendrites, and axon
Myelin Sheath
covers the axon and is an insulating layer or fatty material
Glial Cells
support cells found in the nervous system that make up the myelin sheath
What functions do glial cells serve
digest parts of dead neutrons, provide physical and nutritional support for neuron, for the myelin to insulate the axon
Demyelinating diseases
the myelin sheath deteriorates, slowing the transmission of information from one neuron to another
Synapse
Receive information from the external world and convey this information to the brain
Bipolar cells
type of sensory neuron found in the retinas of the eyes, have a single axon, and small dendrites that feed into a long dendrite that connects to the cell body
Motor Neurons
carry signals from the spinal cord to the muscles to produce movement
Pyramidal Cells
found in the cerebral cortex
Three Major types of Neurons
Sensory, Motor and Interneurons
Interneurons
connect sensory neurons, motor neurons and other interneurons
Resting Potential
natural electrical charge, the difference in electric charge when the neuron is at rest
Action Potential
an electrical signal that is conducted along the length of a neuron’s axon to a synapse
Terminal buttons
knoblike structures that branch out from an axon
Terminal buttons are filled with tiny vesticles that contain neuro transmitters
Neurotransmitters
chemicals that transmit information across the synapse to a receiving neuron’s dendrites
Receptors
parts of the cell membrane that receive neuro transmitter and either initiate or prevent a new electric signal
Acetylcholine
motor control, attention, learning, memory sleeping and dreaming
Dopamine
motivation, pleasure and emotional arousal, drug addiction
Glutamate
Major excitatory neurotransmitting, it enhances the transmission of info between neurons
GABA
Primary Inhibitory neurotransmitter, stop firing of neurons
Norepinephrine
heightened awareness of dangers, mood and arousal (mood disorders)
Seretonin
regulation of sleep and wakefulness (mood disorders
Endorphins
act within the pain pathways (dulling pain)
Agonists
drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter
Antagonists
Drugs that block the function of a neurotransmitter
Two divisions of the nervous system
Somatic and Autonomic
Somatic Nervous System
A set of nerves that conveys information between voluntary muscles and the central nervous system
Autonomic Nervous System
A set of nerves that carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs and glands
Two kinds of autonomic nervous system
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Sympathetic Nervous System
A set of nerves that prepares the body for action in challenging or threatening situations
Autonomic Nervous System
Helps the body return to a normal rising state
Two elements responsible for what we do as humans
The brain and the spinal cord
