The Biological Perspective Flashcards
network of cells that carries information
to and from all parts of the body
Nervous System
branch of the life sciences that deals with
the structure and functioning of the brain
and the neurons, nerves, and nervous
tissue that form the nervous system
neuroscience
branch of neuroscience that focuses on the
biological bases of psychological processes,
behavior, and learning;
primary area associated with the
biological perspective in psychology
biological psychology or
behavioral neuroscience
the basic cell that makes up the
nervous system and that receives and
sends messages within that system
neuron
parts of the neuron that receive messages
from other cells
dendrites
part of the cell that contains the nucleus
and keeps the entire cell alive
and functioning
soma (cell body)
a fiber attached to the soma, and its job
is to carry messages out to other cells
axon
enlarged ends of axonal branches of
the neuron, responsible for communicating
with other nerve cells
axon terminals
cells that provide support for the neurons
to grow on and around, deliver nutrients to
neurons, produce myelin to coat axons,
clean up waste products and dead
neurons, influence information processing,
and, during prenatal development,
influence the generation of new neurons
glia or glial cells
fatty substances produced by certain
glial cells that coat the axons of neu-
rons to insulate, protect, and speed
up the neural impulse
myelin
bundles of myelin-coated axons travel
together as
“cables” in the peripheral
nervous system
nerves
bundles of myelin-coated axons travel
together as
“cables” in the central
nervous system
tracts
What happens during a neural impulse?
- sodium channels open, allowing Na⁺ ions to rush inside, reversing the
electrical charge (action potential) - this reversal moves down the
axon like a chain reaction, transmitting the neural signal - once the signal passes, the sodium channels close, and the neuron
restores its resting state by pumping Na⁺ back out and allowing K⁺
to exit, re-establishing a negative internal charge - this resets the
neuron, making it ready to fire again
the neurotransmitter activates ion channels, sodium (Na⁺) enters,
generating this.
excitatory effect
the neurotransmitter blocks the signal.
inhibitory effect
when a neural signal reaches the axon terminals, it triggers
synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitters into the ______ ______.
synaptic gap
chemical messengers that enable communication between neurons
and other cells; they are inside a neuron and they are going to transmit a message
neurotransmitters
stimulates muscle contractions and is involved in memory,
arousal, and attention; too little ACh causes paralysis, while too much (e.g., from black
widow venom) leads to convulsions
Acetylcholine (ACh)
influences movement and pleasure; low levels are linked to Parkinson
’
s
disease, while high levels are associated with schizophrenia
Dopamine (DA)
affects mood, sleep, appetite, and anxiety; low levels are linked to
depression
Serotonin (5-HT)
the main excitatory neurotransmitter, essential for learning and memory;
excessive glutamate can cause neuronal damage in conditions like Alzheimer’
s and
strokes
Glutamate
the major inhibitory neurotransmitter, calming
anxiety and reducing nervous system activity; alcohol enhances GABA’
s effects, leading
to sedation
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
natural painkillers that block pain signals; their release explains why
injuries sometimes don
’t hurt immediately; drugs like morphine and heroin mimic
endorphins but lead to addiction by reducing natural endorphin production
Endorphins
Once neurotransmitters have delivered their message, they must be
cleared from the synapse to allow for new signals.
This happens in three main ways. What are the three main ways?
Reuptake, Enzymatic Degradation, Diffusion
