Chapter Two Flashcards
What is an Axon?
The part of the neuron that carries messages destined for other neurons.
What are dendrites?
A cluster of fibres at one end of a neuron that receives messages from other neurons.
What are glial cells?
Glial cells are a type of cell that provides physical and chemical support to neurons and maintain their environment.
what is myelination?
The development of myelin on the axon of a neuron, which allows the neuron to send messages more rapidly.
What is synapses?
The space between two neurons where the axon of a sending neuron communicates with the dendrites of a receiving neuron by using chemical messages.
What are synaptic vesicles?
Key organelles involved in synaptic functions such as uptake, storage, and stimulus-dependent release of neurotransmitters.
What are the Neuronal Components?
The cell, axons, dendrites and myelin sheath.
What are terminal buttons?
Small bulges at the end of axons that send messages to other neurons.
What is a cell body?
Contains genetic information, maintains the neuron’s structure, and provides energy to drive activity.
What is the myelin sheath?
A protective coat of fat and protein that wraps around the neuron.
What is the resting state?
The state in which there is a negative electrical charge of about –70 millivolts within a neuron.
What is action potential?
An electric nerve impulse that travels through a neuron’s axon when it is set off by a “trigger,” changing the neuron’s charge from negative to positive.
What is the absolute refractory period?
The resting state after a neuron fires, during which is it not possible for the neuron to fire again.
What is the relative refractory period?
The time period after the absolute refractory period during which a neuron can send a signal, if it receives stronger stimulation than when it is in its normal baseline state.
What are excitatory messages?
A chemical message that makes it more likely that a receiving neuron will fire and an action potential will travel down its axon.
What are inhibitory messages?
A chemical message that prevents or decreases the likelihood that a receiving neuron will fire.
What is reuptake?
The reabsorption of neurotransmitters by a terminal button.
What is an EEG?
Electrodes placed around the skull record the electrical signals transmitted through the brain.
What is an fMRI?
Able to view features of less than a millimeter in size and view changes in one-tenth of a second. Helps to view chronic back pain to a nervous system disorder like a stroke.
What is a PET?
Scans that show biochemical activity within the brain at any given moment. May be used in cases of memory problems, seeking to identify brain tumors.
What is a TMS?
The newest type of scans. Exposes a tiny region of the brain to a strong magnetic field. Has the potential to treat mental disorders.
What is an MRI?
Scan that takes images from multiple angles. Shows where the blood vessels, neurons, sinuses, and other soft tissues are.
What are the different lobes of the brain?
Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Occipital Lode
What is the limbic system?
The part of the brain that controls eating, aggression, and reproduction.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
Your sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that helps your body activate its “fight-or-flight” response. This system’s activity increases when you’re stressed, in danger or physically active.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
our parasympathetic nervous system’s job is usually to relax or reduce your body’s activities.
How are hormones different from neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are locally concentrated; hormones are diffused.
What general functions is the Frontal Lobe responsible for?
Motor area and Broca’s area.
What general functions is the Occipital Lobe responsible for?
Visual area and visual association area
What general functions is the Parietal Lobe responsible for?
Somatosensory area and Somatosensory association area.
What general functions is the Temporal Lobe responsible for?
Primary auditory area, Wernicke’s area, Auditory association area.
What is Neuroplasticity?
Changes in the brain that occur throughout the lifespan relate to the addition of new neurons, new interconnections between neurons, and the reorganization of information-processing areas.
What is Neuroplasticity?
Changes in the brain that occur throughout the life span relating to the addition of new neurons, new interconnections between neurons, and the reorganization of information-processing areas.
