Chapters 2 & 3 Flashcards
Soma
Cell body; contains the cell nucleus and much of the chemical machinery common to most cells
Axon
Long, thin fiber that transmits signals away from the soma to other neurons or to muscles or glands
Myelin sheath
Insulating material that encases some axons
Synapse
A junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to another
Glia
Provide support for neurons
Neurons
Individual cells in the nervous system that receive, integrate, and transmit information
Vesicles
Small sack that store chemicals from the neurons
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that transmit information from one neuron to another
Receptor sites
Specifically tuned to recognize and respond to some neurotransmitters and not to others
Action potential
Brief shift in a neurons electrical charge that travels alOng the axon
Post synaptic potential
A voltage change on a receptor site on a postsynaptic cell membrane
Acetylcholine
Control skeletal muscles and contributes to regulation of attention, arousal, and memory; Alzheimer’s
Dopamine
Control of voluntary movement; Parkinsonism, schizophrenic disorders, addictive disorders
Norepinephrine
Contributes to modulation of mood and arousal, cocaine and amphetamines elevate activity; depressive disorders
Serotonin
Sleep and wakefulness, eating, aggression, affected by Prozac; depressive disorders;
GABA
Inhibitory transmitter, anxiety and sleep/arousal; anxiety disorders
Endorphins
Pain relief and stress relief
