Unit 2, Modules 9-15 Flashcards
Biological Psychology
Links biological (genetic, neural and hormonal) and psychological processes
Neuron
A nerve cell; the basica building block of the nervous system.
Soma/Cell body
The part of the a neuron that contains the nucleus; the cell’s life support center
Axon
The neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands
Myelin Sheath
A fatty tissue layer encasing axons for some of the neurons; increases speed of transmission
Dendrites
A neuron’s often branching extensions that receive and integrate messages, conducting impulses toward the cell body
Axon Terminal
The place where the chemicals are released
Action Potential
Neural impulse, brief electrical charge, that fires down an axon
Resting Potential
The imbalance of electrical charge that exists between the interior of electrically excitable neurons (nerve cells) and their surroundings.
Threshold
The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse
All or None Response
A neuron’s reaction of firing (all or none)
Synapse
The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or or cell body of the receiving neuron. The gap is known as the synaptic gap or the synaptic cleft.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that cross synaptic gaps. Bind to receptor sites, influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse.
Acetycholine (ACH)
+- Alzheimer’s disease
Attention
Arousal
Muscle action/ movement
Movement
Dopamine
- Parkinson’s
+ Schizophrenia cocaine & amphetamines
Motor movements
Learning
Alertness
Norepinephrine
- Depression
Mood
Arousal
Learning
Serotonin
- Depression
+ Anxiety, inhibit dreaming
Mood
Sleep
Hunger
Aggresssoin
GABA
- Anxiety, Huntington’s Disease, Epilepsy
Inhibitory effect on axons
Sleep
Movement
Endorphins
No established problems
Pain
Pleasure
Example: Runner’s High
Agonist
A molecule that increases a neurotransmitter’s action
Antagonist
A molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitter’s action
Central Nercous System (CNS)
The brain and the spinal cord