Exam 1 (Chapter 1-4) Flashcards
Axon
A main structure of a neuron which conducts information from soma to terminal buttons
Myelin Sheath
A main structure of a neuron which surrounds the axon and increases the speed of neurotransmitters released.
Dentrites
Receives stimulation from sense receptors
Soma
Integrates information about stimulation and passes it down to the axon; contains nucleus and cytoplasm.
Functions of Glial Cells
- forms myelin sheath
- holds neurons in place
- clears cellular “trash” left by damaged neurons
- prevents toxic substances from reaching parts of the brain
Process of Synaptic Transmission
Neurons communicate with each other and information is passed down the axon causing an impulse known as ACTION POTENTIAL. The potential moves across the synaptic gap and neurotransmitters are realease. Once binding is completed, the neurotransmitters drift back and either decompose or reabsorb into the synaptic membrane.
Action Potential
A nerve impulse which causes neurotransmitters to be released
Resting Potential
A slight polarization that provides the context of an action potential.
All or None Law
Either excitatory input (neuron fires) sum to the threshold level to reach a uniform action potential or none is reached and there is no action potential.
Self Propagating
The size of action potential does not diminish along the length of the axon.
Refractory Period
Occurs after action potential has passed down a segment of the axon
Biochemical Bases of Action Potential
It is produced by the flow of charged particles (ions) through neuron membrane
Sensory
One of the three classes of a neuron which carries messages from sense receptors towards the Central Nervous System
Motor
One of the three classes of a neuron which carries messages from the Central Nervous System towards the muscles and glands
Interneurons
One of the three classes of a neuron which relays messages from the sensory neurons to other interneurons
Neurogenesis
Birth of new neurons in the brain
Central Nervous System
Consists of the brain and spinal cord and helps to coordinate bodily functions
Peripheral Nervous System
Links the body to the outside world through senses, housekeeping (waste), calms the body, prepares the body for stress (fight or flight)
Brain Stem
A layer of the brain which is involved with the autonomic process; heart rate, digestion
Limbic System
Involved with memory, emotion and motivation; temperature, blood pressure
Cerebrum
A layer of the brain which is the mind. It regulates the brain’s higher cognitive function
Medulla
Center of breathing
Pons
Provides input to other structures
Thalamus
Channels incoming sensory information
Cerebellum
Coordinates body movements
Hippocampus
Involved in remembering memories
Amygdala
Involved in emotion control
Hypothalamus
Involved in regulatory proccesses like eating
Frontal
A lobe of the brain which functions for motor control
Parietal
A lobe of the brain which functions for processing of sensations
Temporal
A lobe of the brain which functions for process of hearing
Occipital
A lobe of the brain which functions for perception of visual information
Sensation
The process of which stimulation of sensory receptors produces impulses which represent experiences; nose, mouth, eyes
Absolute threshold
The minimum amount of physical energy needed to produce a sensory experience
