learning neuroscience..again Flashcards
neurons
the basic building blocks of the nervous system….a nerve cell
dendrite
receive messages and conduct impulses toward cell body
axon
the neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands
myelin sheath
layer of fatty tissue that insulates axons and speeds their impulses
action potential
a neural impulse, brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
refractory period
period of inactivity after a neuron has fired
threshold
level of stimulation required to fire neural impulse
synapse
the junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron (the meeting point between two neurons)
neurotransmitters
chemical messengers
endorphins
leads to good feelings
antagonists
block neurotransmitter’s functioning
sensory neurons
carry messages from body to brain
motor neurons
carry instructions from central nervous system to body’s muscles and glands.
sympathetic nervous system
makes you get nervous in bad situation
Parasympathetic nervous system
calms you down when bad situation is over
