Test 1: Neuroscience and Behavior Flashcards
Neuron
cells in the nervous system that communicate with one another to perform information-processing tasks
Cell body
coordinates information-processing tasks and keeps the cell alive
Dendrites
receives information from other neurons and relays it to the cell body
Axon
transmits information to other neurons, muscles, or glands
Myelin sheath
insulating layer of fatty material
Nodes of Ranvier
increase efficiency of signal transmission
Synapse
the junction or region between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another
Sensory neurons
TO BRAIN
receive information from the external world travel through spinal cord convey to brain
Motor nuerons
TO BODY
spinal cord to the muscles induce movement.
Internuerons
neurons that connect sensory neurons, motor neurons, or other interneurons.
Two stages of electrical signaling?
conduction and transmission
Resting potential
When the neuron is at rest, positively charged potassium ions (K+) flow out
-cell -
Action potential
an electric signal that is conducted along an axon to a synapse
-cell +
Refractory period
the time following an action potential during which a new action potential cannot be initiated
terminal buttons
knoblike structures that branch out from an axon
nuerotransmitters
chemicals that transmit information across the synapse
receptors
parts of the cell membrane that receive the neurotransmitter and initiate a new electric signal
Acetylcholine (Ach)
voluntary motor control, memory, learning
Alzheimer’s Disease
Dopamine (DA)
- regulates motor behavior, pleasure, and emotional arousal.
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Schizophrenia
- Drug Addiction
Glutamate
- excitatory NT, learning, memory
- High Glutamate = seizures
GABA
- inhibitory NT
- Low GABA = seizures
Norepinephrine (NE)
- influences mood and arousal.
- Depression
Serotonin (5-HT)
- regulates sleep, dreaming, mood, aggression, appetite, sexual behavior.
- Depression/Anxiety/OCD
Endorphins
- chemicals that act within pain and pleasure pathways and emotion centers of the brain.
- Runner’s High
Nervous System
- an interacting network of neurons that conveys electrochemical information throughout the body.
- Nerves: bundles of axons and glial cells that support neurons.
- CNS + PNS
Central Nervous System (CNS)
brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- connects the central nervous system to the body’s organs and muscles.
- Somatic + Autonomic
Somatic NS
- a set of nerves that conveys information into and out of the CNS. Communicates with sense organs (eyes) and voluntary muscles.
- Sensory NS + Motor NS
Autonomic NS (ANS)
- a set of nerves that carries involuntary and automatic commands that control blood vessels, body organs, and glands.
- Sympathetic NS + Parasympathetic NS
Sensory NS
a set of nerves transmitting sensory input from body to brain
Motor NS
a set of nerves for motor output from brain to body
Sympathetic NS
a set of nerves that prepares the body for action in threatening situations
Parasympathetic NS
a set of nerves that helps the body return to a normal resting state.
CNS made of?
the brain and the spinal cord, which communicate and collaborate on a variety of complex tasks.
Spinal reflexes
simple pathways in the nervous system that rapidly generate muscle contractions.
Hind brain (brainstem)
an area of the brain that coordinates information coming into and out of the spinal cord, and controls the basic functions of life.
Medulla
coordinates heart rate, circulation, and respiration
Reticular formation
regulates sleep, wakefulness, and arousal level.
cerebellum
fine motor skills, coordination, balance
pons
relays information from the cerebellum to the rest of the brain. Sleep and dreams
Midbrain
- small, midsection of the brain that is important for orientation and movement (vision, hearing, voluntary motor control)
- tectum
- tegmentum
Forebrain
critical for complex cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor function.
Cerebral Cortex
the outermost layer of the brain, visible to the naked eye and divided into 2 hemispheres.
Subcortical Structures
areas of the forebrain housed under the cerebral cortex near the very center of the brain.
Thalamus
relays and filters information from the senses and transmits the information to the cerebral cortex.
Hypothalamus
regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior.
Pituitary gland
the “master-gland”, releases hormones that direct the functions of many other glands in the body.
Hippocampus
critical for creating new memories
Amygdala
emotional processes, particularly the formation of emotional memories.
Occipital Lobe
processes visual information.
Parietal Lobe
- processes information about touch.
- Somatosensory Cortex
Temporal Lobe
responsible for hearing and language.
frontal lobe
specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgment. Motor Cortex
Corpus Callosum
a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres and supports communication of information across the hemispheres.
Left hemisphere is responsible for
language
Right hemisphere is responsible for
visual-spatial
