Chapter Three Flashcards
Identify and define all the parts of a neuron and their jobs
- dendrites: detect info from other neurons
- cell body: collects and integrates info from other neurons
- axon: transmits info to other neurons
- terminal buttons: release chemical signals from the neuron to the synapse cleft
- synapse: site where chemical communication occurs between neurons
- synaptic cleft: gap between two communication neurons
Myelin sheath: allows for rapid transmission of info and protects the axon
Resting membrane potential
The neuron is at rest and negatively charged
Action potential
positively charged— A very brief shift in electrical charge, which creates neural impulse, and passes along the axon to the terminal button, then returns to negatively charged
Refractory period
A 1-2 ms period after an action potential where it rests
What is a neurotransmitter and what do they do
Chemicals released by neurons due to action potentials; they bind to receptors across the synapse
What is NT acetylcholine related to
Alzheimer’s
What is NT dopamine related to
Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, addictive disorders
What is NT norepinephrine associated with
Depressive disorders
What is NT serotonin associated with
Depression, OCD, eating disorders
What is NT GABA associated with
Anxiety disorders
What are excitatory vs inhibitory signals
- messages sent to a new neuron via NTs
- excitatory signal increases likelihood of a new action potential
- inhibitory signal decreases the likelihood of a new action potential
What is the difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems
- somatic: skeletal muscles and contractions
- autonomic: targets cardiac and smooth muscle
What does the cerebral cortex due and where is it located
- processes complex mental activity
- outer layer of the cerebrum in the forebrain
What does the occipital lobe do
Primary visual cortex
What does the parietal lobe do
Primary somatosensory cortex (touch)
