Neuroscience and Behaviour Flashcards
Cell Body
coordinates information processing tasks and keeps the cell alive. Contains nucleus with chromosomes containing DNA.
Dendrites
Receives information from other neurons and relay it to the cell body
Axons
Transmits info to other neurons, muscles or glands
Myelin Sheath
insulating layer of fatty material
Glial cells
support cells found in the nervous system that provide structure and insulate nerve cells. Make up myelin sheath
Components of neurons
Cell body, dendrites, axons, myelin sheath, glial cells
Multiple Sclerosis
where myelin sheath deteriorates causing a slowdown in transmision of info between neurons
Synapse
Junction between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another
Sensory Neurons
Receive info from the external worls and convey this to the brain via the spina chord
Motor neurons
carry signals from the spinal chord to the muscles
Interneurons
Connect sensory, motor neurons or other interneurons
Purkinje cells
type of interneuron that carries info from cerebellum to the rest of the brain and spinal chord
Bipolar cells
type of sensory neuron found in retina of eye
Resting potential
difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a neurons cell membrane
Action potential
an electrical signal that is conducted along the length of a neurons axon to a synapse
Refractory period
the time following an action potential during which a new action potential cannot be initiated
Terminal buttons
Knoblike structures that branch out from an axon
Neurotransmitters
chemicals that transmit info across the synapse to a receiving neurons dendrites
Receptors
Parts of cell membrane that receive neurotransmitters and initiate a new electric signal. It is a protein embedded in the membrane that matches the molecular shape of a specific neurotransmitter molecule
Acetylcholine
a neurotransmitter involved in a number of functions, including voluntary motor control
Dopamine
a neurotransmitter that regulates motor behaviour, motivation, pleasure and emotional arousal
Glutamate
a major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in info transmission throughout the brain
Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (Gaba)
primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
Noradrenalin
a neurotransmitter that influences mood and arousal
Serotonin
a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, eating and aggressive behaviour
Endorphins
chemicals that act within the brain pathways and emotion centres in the brain
Agonists
drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter
Antagonist
drugs that block the function of a neurotransmitter
Peripheral nervous system
connects the CNS to the bodys organs and muscles
Somatic nervous system
a set of nerves that conveys information into and out of the CNS
Autonomic nervous system
set of nerves that carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs and glands
Sympathetic nervous system
prepares the body for action