neural communications and human responses Flashcards
what is the process of sending messages in neurons
neurons transmit message in the form of a electrical impulse, dendrites receive message and the soma determines if message is strong enough to trigger a impulse down the axon
define neurotransmitters
the body’s natural chemical messengers that can alter the activities of neighbouring neurons
define the synapse
the site where communications occurs between adjacent neurons
what are some types of neurotransmitters
adrenaline - fight or flight, dopamine - pleasure, serotonin - mood and glutamate - memory
what is a conscious response
an action done by the body that is performed with voluntary control and intent - awareness of the brain
what is an unconscious response
an action done by the body that occurs automatically - without awareness of the brain
conscious response to stimuli
paid attention to stimulus, often goal directed, more complex response, tends to vary and can be learned
unconscious response to stimuli
do not have to pay attention, increasing chance of survival, most are simple, occurs the sam way each time nd does not require learning it
what is a spinal reflex
an unconscious, involuntary and automatically occurring response to certain stimuli without any involvement of the brain
define thought
mental cognitions such as our ideas, opinions and beliefs about ourselves and the world around us
define feeling
an emotional state
define behaviour
observable actions
