Neurons Flashcards
Glutamate
Excites many neurons; involved in learning and memory
Norepinephrine
Releases neurotransmitters when stressed
Dopamine
Controls voluntary movements, affects sleep, mood, attention, and learning
Serotonin
Mood, attention, learning and sleep regulator
Endorphins
Depresses nervous system activity and eliminates pain
Oxytocin
Chemical messenger and has an important role in many human behavior’s including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, romantic attachment and mother–infant bonding.
What are Synapse?
Tiny spaces in between neurons where neurons connect and transmit information
What is the All-Or-Nothing principle? What does it apply to?
-When a motor unit receives a stimulus of sufficient intensity to bring forth a response, all the muscle fibers within the unit will contract at the same time, and to the maximum possible extent.
-Applies to action potential of a neuron
Function of the Myeline Sheath?
Myeline sheaths speed up transmission of nerve impulses and convey the information rapidly.
What are afferent nerves and their function?
nerve fibers responsible for carrying external information to the brain and spinal cord
What are efferent nerves and their function?
nerve fibers responsible for carrying information from the brain and spinal cord to the peripheral nervous system; other parts of the body.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
The part of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body to mobilize it for action and thus is involved in the experience of stress.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
The part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body.
What is the function of adrenal glands; located where?
Glands at the top of each kidney that are responsible for regulating mood, energy level, and the ability to cope with stress. Releases epinephrine and norepinephrine
What is a CAT and it’s function?
Provides information about our brain structure, not activity using x-rays to produce a 3D image
