Lecture 5 Biological Basis of Behavior Flashcards
Central nervous system
Brain, spinal cord, optic nerve, retina
Peripheral nervous system
Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, autonomic nervous system, somatic nervous system
Neuron (Nerve cells)
The basic cell of the nervous system; High demand for glucose and oxygen, no metabolic reserve
Neuron components
cell body, dendrite, axon
Glial cells (glia)
Non-neuronal brain cells that provide structural, nutritional support to the brain
Soma (cell body)
Contains dendrites and is connected to the axon via axon hillock. Performs macromolecule synthesis and integrate electrical signals
Dendrites
Tapered extensions of the cell body; collects information from other neurons’ axonal terminals
Axon
Cylindrical body, can be myelinated or unmyelinated; conducts information to other neurons
Axon terminals
Small swellings that are found at the terminal ends of axons; transmits information to other neurons
Myelin sheath
Glial cell; increases connection and transmission speed
Synaptic vesicle
spherical sac containing neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitter
the chemical released from the synaptic axon terminal that serves as the basis for communication between neurons
Synapse
An intercellular site where fast, highly localized transmission of chemical and electrical signals occur; includes: pre-synaptic and post-synaptic terminals and the synaptic cleft
Types of neurons
Unipolar, Bipolar, Multipolar
Resting potential
-70 millivolts across the neural membrane when not being stimulated