Part 1 Flashcards
Synapse
Link between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron
What is the synapse also known as
The Synaptic link or Synaptic Gap
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals used to send a signal across the synaptic gap
Important neurotransmitters
Serotonin and Dopamine
Function of serotonin
Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal
Problems caused by imbalances in serotonin
Undersupply linked to depression, some antidepressant drugs raise serotonin levels
Function of dopamine
Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion
Problems caused by imbalances in dopamine
Oversupply linked to schizophrenia, undersupply linked to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson’s disease and ADHD
What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of
Brain and spinal cord
Role of CNS
Makes decisions for the body
What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consist of
The rest of the nervous system
Role of PNS
Gathers and sends information to and from the rest of the body
Role of sympathetic NS
arouses(fight-or-flight)
Role of parasympathetic NS
calms(rest and digest)
Endocrine
Set of glands that produce chemical messengers called hormones
What does the endocrine system do
Sends molecules as messages and sends them through the bloodstream just like the nervous system
What does the nervous system do
Sends molecules as messages and sends them across synapses
Where are hormones produced in the body
In various glands around the body
Where do the messages from the endocrine go to
The brain and other tissues
What does the adrenal gland produce
Hormones such as adrenaline, epinephrine, noradrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol
How does the sympathetic nervous system respond to stress
By sending a message to adrenal glands to release the hormones
Effect of the sympathetic NS responding to stress
Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar. These provide energy for the fight or flight response
The pituitary gland
The master gland of the endocrine system
What controls the pituitary gland
Through the nervous system by the nearby brain area called the hypothalamus
