What are neurons and how do they communicate information throughout the body Flashcards
draw a neuron, label its parts, and describe the function of each part.
dendrites- receive information from other neurons and sensory receptors
cell body- receives information from dendrites and if enough stimulation is received the message is passed on to the axon.
axon- carries neuron’s messages to other body cells.
myelin sheath- covers the axon of some neurons to insulate and help speed neural impulses.
terminal buttons= of axon form junctions with other cells and release chemicals called neurotransmitters
describe the electrochemical process involved in an action potential
when neurons speak. whne the dendrites and cell body receive electoral messages. These messages move along the axon in the form of a neural impulse.
define neurotransmitter and explain how neurotransmitters act to excite or inhibit action potentials
chemicals that neurons release, which affect other neurons.
messages transmitted chemically from one neuron to the next.
describe the effects of the major neurotransmitters and explain how they are related to some diseases, poisons, and mind-altering drugs
decreased levels of neurotransmitter dopamine are assoicated with PD, and high levels are forms of schizophrenia.
describe the function of the endocrine system and contrast hormones with neurotransmitters
parathriod glands- regulate level calcium in blood
pancreas- controls sugar level
testes- secrete male sex hormones
pineal gland- regulates sleep cycle and body rhythms
hypothalamus-controls the pituitary gland
pituitary gland- influences growth and lactation.
thyriod gland- controls metebolism
adrenal gland - arouses the body, helps respond stress, some sexual functioning
ovaries - secrete female sex hormones
how neurotransmitters affect us
serotonin- mood, sleep, sensory perception.
acetylcholine (ACh)- muscle action, memory, rapid eye movement.
dopamine (DA)- movement, attention, memory, learning and emotion.
norepinephrine (NE)- emotional arousal, memory storage, and metabolism.
gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)- neural inhibition in the central nervous system
endorphins-mood, pain, memory, and learning
describe the recent research regarding neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, and the role of stem cells in the treatment of carious brain dysfunctions
scientist discovered that damaged neurons in the brain or spinal cord are capable of reproducing.
stem cell holds all the information it needs to make bone, blood, brain and any part of human body. they are used in bone marrow transplants and with people suffering from strokes, AD, epilepsy, stress and depression.
