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Neurons Flashcards

1
Q

When the cell becomes even more negative,

A

… the neuron is LESS likely to fire (IPSP). This is a graded potential.

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2
Q

Soma

A

Cell body

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3
Q

Flow of information in a neuron

A
  1. Dendrites receive information
  2. Cell body processes information
  3. Axon sends information via terminal buttons
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4
Q

Saltatory Conduction

A

Faster to travel along the myelinated neuron

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5
Q

Glial cells

A

Support neurons. Insulate neurons by enclosing in a myelin sheath

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6
Q

Dendrites vs. Axons

A
  1. Dendrites not myelinated
  2. Dendrite branching pattern can change through life, where axons remain stable through aging
  3. Dendrites can regenerate, axons cannot
  4. Dendrites receive information, axons send information
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7
Q

Conduction within the neuron is…

Conduction between neurons is…

A

… electrical

… chemical

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8
Q

Stages of action potential

A
  1. Resting potential
  2. Depolarization
  3. Actional potential
  4. Hyperpolarization
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9
Q

Resting potential

A

Negative. More potassium inside and more sodium outside. This is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump.

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10
Q

Depolarization

A

Stimulus causes membrane potential to increase threshold potential.

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11
Q

Action potential spike

A

Membrane becomes positive as sodium ions rush into the cell.

Absolute refractory period.

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12
Q

Repolarization

A

Potassium ions leave the cell and negative charge is restored.

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13
Q

Hyperpolarization

A

Cell becomes even more negative than it is at resting potential.
Relative refractory period. Really strong stimulus has to occur in order for another action potential to happen.

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14
Q

Axon hillock

A

Point where action potential originates. Where axon meets cell body. Graded potential converted into all-or-nothing potential of axon.

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15
Q

Chemical transmission between neurons

A
  1. receptor sites - binding
  2. remain in cleft
  3. reuptake
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16
Q

Postsynaptic potential

A

When NT binds to receptor site on dendrite, generates electrical charge (PSP)
1. EPSP: more likely to fire
2. IPSP: less likely to fire
These are GRADED. Vary in intensity.

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17
Q

Graded potential: PSP

A

Few NT bind to receptors, then less strong.
More NT bind to receptors, then stronger.
Weakens as they travel along the dendrites.

18
Q

Peptides

A

2+ amino acids tied together
Endorphins
Take long to have effects on PS cell than NT

19
Q

Acetylcholine

A

Parasympathetic: transmit nerve impulses to muscles
CNS: Alzheimer’s - transmission to hippocampus

20
Q

Catecholamines

A

Monoamines.
1. Epinephrine
2. Norepinephrine - alertness, awakefulness
3. Dopamine - movement and posture
Too much = mania. Too little = depression

21
Q

Dopamine

A

Too much = mania. Too little = depression
Also associated with schizophrenia
and Parkinsons. Too little in the basal ganglia causes illness

22
Q

Tardive Dyskinesia

A

Meds for psychosis impact the motor system as well.

23
Q

L-dopa

A

For Parkinson’s. Can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Increases production of dopamine. But not too much, because then you get mania!

24
Q

Serotonin

A

Monamine.
Regulates mood, sleep, eating, arousal.
Too much = mania. Too little = depression
SSRIs

25
Q

GABA

A

Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Stabilizes neuro activity in the brain.
Hyperpolarization of PS membrane

26
Q

Endorphins

A

Peptides. Pain killers.

27
Q

Depressants

A

Benzos and barbituates.

Enhance the action of GABA and stabilize brain activity.

28
Q

Stimulants

A
  1. Amphetamines- stimulate receptors for dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin
  2. Antidepressants - tricyclics (block monoamines), MAO inhibitors
  3. SSRIs - inhibits the reuptake of serotonin
29
Q

Narcotics

A

Pain killers that bind to opiate receptors in the brain

  1. Opium
  2. Heroin
  3. Morphine
30
Q

Antipsychotics

A

Block receptor sites for dopamine

  1. Thorazine
  2. Chlorpromazine
  3. Phenothiazine
  4. Haloperidol
  5. Lithium for bi-polar
31
Q

MAO

A

Breaks down and deactivates norepinephrine and serotonin

32
Q

Methylphenidate

A

Increases alertness and decreases motor activity

Used for ADHD

33
Q

Endocrine System

A

Hormones. Slower-acting.

Adrenaline vs. (epinephrine as a NT)

34
Q

Adrenaline as a NT

A

Epinephrine

35
Q

Pituitary

A

Anterior is what matters. Controlled by the hypothalamus. Secretes to the other endocrine glands so that they can make their own characteristic hormones to release into the bloodstream.

36
Q

Dopamine

A

Too much: Schizophrenia

Too little: Parkinson’s (basal ganglia)

37
Q

Norepinephrine

A

Mania/depression

38
Q

Serotonin

A

Mania/depression

39
Q

Acetylcholine

A

Alzheimer’s

40
Q

GABA

A

Anxiety disorders

41
Q

Endorphin

A

Pain killer

My GRE Psych Cards (13 decks)

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