Quiz 2 Flashcards
What is reduction?
the attempt to explain complex phenomena in terms of simpler components
What are neurons? What are their basic structure and functions?
- neurons: nerve cells
2a. structure: cell body, dendrites, axon, and terminal buttons
2b. function: convey information over long distances
What is action potential?
an excitation that travels along an axon at a constant strength, no matter how far it travels
What is resting potential?
an electrical polarization across the membrane (or covering) of an axon
(1.) What is a synapse and terminal button? (2.) What are neurotransmitters (including, especially, serotonin and dopamine)?
1a. synapse: the specialized junction between one neuron and another
1b. terminal button: a bulge at the end of an axon from which the axon releases a neurotransmitter
- neurotransmitters: a chemical that activates receptors on other neurons
- serotonin: modifies many types of motivated and emotional behavior
- dopamine: one path is important for movement, another path is important for memory and cognition
What is a reuptake?
a process to recycle neurotransmitters in which active processes exist within nerve terminals to reabsorb the released neurotransmitter.
What are the techniques used to measure brain activity?
EEG, PET, fMRI