Neuroplasticity Flashcards
Neurotransmission
The process by which neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical signals across synapses.
Long Term Potentiation
A long-lasting strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity, essential for learning and memory.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.
Neural pruning
The elimination of excess or unused synaptic connections in the brain to improve its efficiency.
Parts of a neuron
The structural components of a neuron include the cell body (soma), dendrites (receiving signals), axon (transmitting signals), and synaptic terminals (releasing neurotransmitters).
Dendritic branching
The process by which neurons form new dendritic connections to increase synaptic communication.
The Process of Sense Perception
The multi-step process through which sensory organs detect stimuli, and the brain interprets these signals to create meaningful experiences.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and various other physiological processes.
Neuroplasticity
The brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt its structure and function in response to learning, experience, or injury.
The “dark side” of neuroplasticity
The potential for the brain to develop harmful or maladaptive patterns, such as addiction, phobias, or reinforcement of negative behaviors, due to its ability to reorganize and adapt.
Agonist
A substance (like a drug or neurotransmitter) that binds to a receptor and activates it, enhancing the effects of the associated neurotransmitter.
MAOA Gene vs MAOA Enzyme
The MAOA gene provides instructions for producing the MAOA enzyme, which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, influencing emotional and behavioral regulation.
Antagonist
A substance that binds to a receptor but blocks or dampens the action of the associated neurotransmitter or agonist.
Gene expression
The process by which genetic information is converted into functional products, such as proteins, which influence psychological traits and behaviors.
Reuptake inhibitor
A substance that blocks the reabsorption of neurotransmitters into neurons, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft and enhancing their effects.
Gene alleles
Different versions of a gene that can result in variations in psychological traits or susceptibility to mental health conditions.
MAOA-L vs MAOA-H
Refers to low-activity (MAOA-L) and high-activity (MAOA-H) variants of the MAOA gene, which are associated with differences in neurotransmitter metabolism and linked to varying behavioral tendencies, such as aggression or resilience.
Five ways to study genetics
Genetics can be studied through twin studies (comparing identical and fraternal twins to assess heritability), family studies (tracking traits across generations), adoption studies (separating genetic and environmental influences), genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (scanning genomes for variations linked to traits), and candidate gene studies (focusing on specific genes associated with behaviors or disorders).
