Intro to Psychology: Unit 1 Chapter 3 Flashcards
What are Neurons and what are the most common Neurons?
They receive, process, and send information
Neurotransmitters
What are Neurotransmitters?
Neurons/chemicals that communicate with other neurons and transmit info from one neuron to another.
Parts of the Neuron: Soma
Soma is the Cell Body (contains the Nucleus)
Parts of the Neuron: Dendrites
Branchlike Part of the neuron
RECEIVES info from other neurons
Parts of the Neuron: Axon
SENDS Information
Parts of the Neuron: Myelin Sheath
Fatty substance that surrounds the axon.
Acts as an insulater that allows messages to speed up.
Parts of the Neuron: Terminal Buttons
Allows neurons to connect to multiple cells.
SECRETES chemicals.
Parts of the Neuron: Synapse
Junction where info is transmitted from one neuron to another.
Parts of the Neuron: Glia
Supplies neurons with nutrients, removing waste, and creating proper insulation.
Send and receive chemical messages.
Glial cells take up most of the space (10 cells for every neuron and take up about 50% of the brains volume)
What are synaptic vesicles?
Small sacs within the buttons where neurotransmitters are stored.
What’s postsynaptic potential?
The change in electrical charge in a neuron after it receives a signal from another neuron.
What is Pics Disease?
A form of dementia where they slowly lose memory over time.
Loses the ability to make basic differentiations.
During what process are most neurotransmitters reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron?
The Reuptake process
What is Reuptake?
Process where neurotransmitters are sponged up from the synaptic cleft by the presynaptic membrane.
What are some disorders associated with neurotransmitters?
Alzheimers Disease - Low ACh
Parkinsons - Dopamine
Depression - Norepinephrine
Depression, OCD - Seratonin
These could all be dictated by EITHER biological OR environmental factors.
What is the PNS and what does it consist of?
All the nerves that extend OUTSIDE the brain and spinal cord.
Consists of the Somatic & Autonomic Nervous System.
What is the Somatic Nervous system?
Made up of nerves that connect to Voluntary skeletal muscles and sensory receptors.