psy exam 2 chapter 3 Flashcards
Neurons
Special cells that receive, process, and transmit signals throughout the nervous system
Glia Cells
Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and protection to neurons
(Neuron Structure) Dendrites:
Extension of the neuron that receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors
(Neuron Structure) Soma:
Neuron main cell body, contains the nucleus and other organelles
(Neuron Structure) Axon:
A long, thin fiber that transmits signals away from the soma to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
(Neuron Structure) Myelin Sheath:
Fatty insulation layer around the axon the protects it and speeds up signal transmission
(Neuron Structure) Synapse:
The junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite or soma of another neuron (neuron to neuron connection)
(Neuron Structure) Vesicles:
Small sacs in the axon terminal that store neurotransmitters
(Neuron Structure) Neurotransmitters:
Chemical messengers released from vesicles that cross the synapse and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
(Neuron Structure) Receptor Sites:
Proteins on the postsynaptic neuron that bind to neurotransmitters, initiating a response in the postsynaptic cell
Action Potential
A brief electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron. Its made when the neurons membrane potential reaches a certain threshold
All or Nothing Law
An Action Potential either happens fully or not at all. If the stimulus is strong enough to reach the threshold, an action potential of a fixed size will be made.
Post-Synaptic Potential (PSP)
A change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron caused by the binding of neurotransmitters to receptors. Happens after an action potential reaches the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, triggering the release of neurotransmitters.
Post-Synaptic Neuron
Neuron receiving the signal
Pre-Synaptic Neuron
Neuron sending the signal
Excitatory PSP (EPSP)
Depolarizes the postsynaptic neutron, making it more likely to fire an action potential
Inhibitory PSP (IPSP)
Hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic neuron, making it less likely to fire an action potential.
Acetylcholine
(Major Neurotransmitters)
Function: Muscle contraction, memory, learning
Disorders when lacking: Alzheimer’s Disease
Dopamine
(Major Neurotransmitters)
Function: Reward, motivation, movement, pleasure
Disorders when lacking: Parkinson disease, Schizophrenia, Addiction
Serotonin
(Major Neurotransmitters)
Function: Mood regulation, sleep, appetite
Disorders when lacking: Depression, anxiety
Norepinephrine
(Major Neurotransmitters)
Function: Alertness, arousal, stress response
Disorders when lacking: Depression, ADHD
GABA
(Major Neurotransmitters)
Function: Inhibition, Anxiety reduction
Disorders when lacking: Anxiety disorders, epilepsy
Glutamate
(Major Neurotransmitters)
Function: Excitation, learning, memory
Disorders when lacking: Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia
Endorphins
(Major Neurotransmitters)
Function: Pain relief, pleasure
Disorders when lacking: Chronic pain, addiction
Central Nervous System
Consists of the brain and spinal cord. Responsible for processing information, making decision, and coordinating bodily functions.
Peripheral Nervous System
Consists of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Connects the Central Nervous System to the rest of the body, carrying information to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to muscles and organs.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response, preparing the body for action in stressful situation. Increase heart rate, dilates pupils, and inhibits digestion.