Neural Basis Of Behavior Flashcards
What is the cell body of a neuron also known as?
Soma
The soma contains genetic information determining cell function.
What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?
Receive messages from other neurons
Dendrites are the branching structures that help in communication between neurons.
What does the axon do?
Conduct electrical impulses
The axon transmits signals away from the cell body.
What are glial cells responsible for?
Support, nourish, protect neurons
Glial cells also manufacture nutrient chemicals and absorb toxins.
What is the resting potential of a neuron?
-70 millivolts
This state of polarization is due to the distribution of ions inside and outside the neuron.
What ions are in high concentration outside the neuron?
Sodium ions (Na+)
High sodium concentration contributes to the neuron’s resting potential.
What ions are positively charged and found inside the neuron?
Potassium ions (K+)
The balance of sodium and potassium ions is crucial for the resting potential.
What is depolarization?
Shift from resting potential of -70mV to +40mV
Depolarization is essential for action potential initiation.
What are graded potentials?
Changes proportional to stimulation
Graded potentials are not strong enough to trigger an action potential.
What does the all-or-none law state?
Action potential is not proportional; maximum intensity or not at all
This law indicates that once an action potential is triggered, it will always be the same strength.
What is the myelin sheath?
Fatty insulation layer derived from glial cells
The myelin sheath insulates the axon and increases the rate of transmission of signals.
What are the gaps in the myelin sheath called?
Nodes of Ranvier
These gaps facilitate faster signal transmission via saltatory conduction.
What is synaptic transmission?
Neurons use chemicals to communicate, not physical contact
This process involves neurotransmitters crossing the synaptic cleft.
What is the synaptic cleft?
Gap between axon terminal and dendrite
The synaptic cleft is where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors.
Where are neurotransmitters synthesized?
Inside neurons
Neurotransmitters are crucial for communication between neurons.
What happens to neurotransmitters after they are released?
They bind to receptor sites
This binding initiates a response in the postsynaptic neuron.
What are excitatory neurotransmitters?
Depolarizes neuron and increases likelihood of action potential
These neurotransmitters stimulate the flow of sodium ions.
What is the effect of inhibitory neurotransmitters?
Hyperpolarizes neuron and decreases likelihood of action potential
They stimulate potassium to flow out of the neuron.
What are the two main mechanisms for deactivation of neurotransmitters?
- Breakdown
- Reuptake
Breakdown involves other chemicals in the synapse, while reuptake involves neurotransmitters being taken back into the presynaptic axon terminal.
Fill in the blank: The process where neurotransmitters are broken down into their chemical components is called _______.
Breakdown
This helps in clearing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft.
What is Morphine?
An opioid used for pain relief
What is NiCoFine?
A nicotine replacement therapy
What is Naxalone?
An opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses
What is Propranolol?
A beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety
What is Cannabis?
A plant used for medicinal and recreational purposes
What is the effect of energizing?
Increases alertness and energy levels
What happens during relaxing after energization?
The body calms down after an energetic state
What are Agonist Drugs?
Drugs that increase the activity of neurotransmitters
What do Agonist Drugs enhance?
Neuron’s ability to synthesize, store, or transmit neurotransmitters
What are Antagonist Drugs?
Drugs that oppose the action of Agonist Drugs
What is the role of Acetylcholine (ACh)?
Control of behavior, memory, and learning
What are the consequences of ACh dysfunction?
Memory loss and convulsions
What does Dopamine regulate?
Voluntary movement, emotion, and pleasure
What disorders are associated with Dopamine?
Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia
What functions does Norepinephrine serve?
Learning, memory, wakefulness, and eating
What are the effects of Norepinephrine imbalance?
Depression and stress disorders
What is GABA’s role in the body?
Coordinating behavior, anxiety, and motor control
What disorder is associated with GABA dysfunction?
Huntington’s disease
What does Serotonin influence?
Mood, sleep, eating, and arousal
What issues are linked to Serotonin imbalance?
Depression and sleep/eating disorders
What is the function of Endorphins?
Learning, memory, wakefulness, and pain insensitivity
What are Sensory Neurons responsible for?
Conducting signals/messages to the spinal cord and brain
What is the role of Motor Neurons?
Transmitting signals from the brain to muscles
What do Interneurons do?
Connective and associative functions within the nervous system
What comprises the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
The brain and spinal cord
What is the Peripheral Nervous System?
Connects the CNS with muscles, glands, and sensory organs
What does the Somatic Nervous System consist of?
Sensory and motor neurons
What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System?
Controls glands and smooth muscles in the body
What is the role of the Sympathetic Nervous System?
Arouses the body for ‘Fight or Flight’ response
What does the Parasympathetic Nervous System do?
Slows down body processes
What is the structure of the Spinal Cord?
Grey unmyelinated neurons in the central portion; white myelinated neurons in the outer portion
What is the average weight of the human brain?
Approximately 1.4 kg
What percentage of body weight does the brain represent?
2%
What percentage of oxygen does the brain use?
20%
What is the metabolic rate of the brain?
0.065
