Neuroscience & Behavior Flashcards
The Neuron
Basic unit of communication through the nervous system
3 basic types of neurons
motor, sensory, interneurons
The Action Potential
neural impulse, a brief electrical charge that travels down the axon
Ion Channels
group of proteins forming a channel that spans a cell membrane, allowing the passage of ions
EX:
Na sodium
K Potassium
Threshold
level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse
Resting Potential
(-70mV)
before and after action potential is complete
Depolarization
sodium channels open and rush into the cell making inside more positive than outside
repolarization
sodium channels close, closes potassium channels
change in membrane potential from a positive to a negative value
Hyperpolarization
passes -70mv
refractory period
resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fired, action potential can’t occur until returned to resting state
glial cells
play a role in learning and thinking
cells in the nervous system that protect, support, and nourish neurons
Neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that travel across synapse and bind to receptors influencing whether a neuron will release an impulse
Acetylcholine
movement depends on release from motor neurons
Dopamine
supports anticipation of rewards
Parkinsons Diease
caused by deterioration of dopamine producing cells
difficulty starting and stopping involuntary movements
Schizophrenia
increased level of dopamine
