Unit 2: Biology, Neutrons, And Brain Imagery Flashcards
Dendrites
Branching extinctions that receive incoming messages and conduct messages toward the cell body
Soma
Cell body which contains the nucleus
Biological psychologists study the link between:
1) biology
2) behavior
The basic building block of the nervous system
Neuron or nerve cell
Axon
Extension of a neuron which takes messages from the soma to other neurons; is the longest part of the neuron.
Terminal buttons
Aka axon terminals
Releases neurotransmitters to communicate with other neutrons
Located on the end of the axon
Myelin Sheath
Allows faster transmission speeds in neurons
A layer of fatty cells segmentally encasing the fibers of many axons
How does a neutron communicate?: action potential
Considered an ALL OR NOTHING response
Positively charged
Happens or doesn’t happen
How does a neutron communicate?: resting potential
Refers to the neuron when it is not active
Negatively charged inside the cell membrane
Waiting for gun shot in the race
Threshold
Minimal level of stimulation required for a neural impulse to fire.
Signal fires or doesn’t
Neuron communication with other neurons: synapse
To communicate it must pass a junction or gap called the synapse between the axon which is sending the signal and the dendrite which is receiving the signal
Neuron communication with other neurons: neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that bind together neurons and influence whether another neural impulse will take place.
At the end of the axon, terminal buttons release these
Pre-synapse and postsynapse
Pre- sender
Post- receiver
Process of reuptake
Excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed back into the sending membrane (presynaptic)
Types of neurotransmitters: acetylcholine
Most well known for its presence in allowing muscle contraption
Also: plays vital role in learning and memory
KARATE CHOP
Acetylcholine may lead to
Alzheimer’s disease (memory defect) or muscular disorders
Types of neurotransmitters: serotonin
Impact on mood
Happy or sad
Shortage of serotonin
Depression
Types of neurotransmitters: dopamine
Attention
Involuntary muscle movements
Addiction
Excess Dopamine may lead to
Schizophrenia: hallucinations, too much attention
Defect to Parkinson’s disease: start to shake
Types of neurotransmitters: norepinephrine
Increased heart rate
Helps control alertness and arousal when you are scared or stressed or excited
Types of neurotransmitters: endorphins
Aka morphine within
Link to pain control and pleasure
Natural pain reliever
Mimicked by opiates like heroine
Types of Neurotransmitters: GABA
Helps relax and calm down the body.
Shortage- anxiety or epilepsy
Types of signals: excitatory
“pushing accelerator” for action potential
