Psychology

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

Specialized cell that transmits information from one part of the body to another. The information takes the form of electrical impulses (action potentials)

Question 2

Action potential

Answer 2

Localized area of depolarization of the plasma membrane that travels in a wave-like manner along an axon

Question 3

Synaptic Transmission

Answer 3

When action potential reaches end of axon at a synapse, the signal is transformed into a chemical signal with the release of a neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft

Question 4

Sensory Neurons

Answer 4

Aka afferent neurons, transmit sensory information from receptors to spinal cord/brain

Question 5

Motor Neurons

Answer 5

Aka efferent neurons, transmit motor information from brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands

Question 6

Interneurons

Answer 6

Found between other neurons, most numerous of the 3 neurons. Predominantly found on brain and spinal cord, often linked to reflexive behavior

Question 7

Central nervous system

Answer 7

Brain and spinal cord

Question 8

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 8

Made up of nerve tissues/fibers outside brain and spinal cord

Question 9

Somatic nervous system

Answer 9

Subcategory of PNS. Consists of sensory and motor neurons distributed throughout skin, joints, and muscles.

Question 10

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 10

Subcategory of PNS. Generally regulates heartbeat, respiration, digestion. Also helps regulate body temperature by activating sweating

Question 11

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 11

Subcategory of autonomic nervous system, role is to converse energy. Associated with resting/sleeping rates, acts to reduce heart rate. Acetylcholine is neurotransmitter responsible for parasympathetic responses in body