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AP Psychology Neurons and Neurotransmittors Flashcards

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7955346584BiopsychologyA branch of study that deals with the effects of biological factors on behavior. This branch believes that everything we do is ultimately controlled by our body and our brain.0
7955346585NeuronsNerve cells1
7955346586Sensory (Afferent) NeuronsDetect stimuli from sense organs and relay this information to glands and muscles.2
7955346587Motor (Efferent) NeuronsReceive signals from the brain and/or spinal cord and relay this information to glands and muscles.3
7955346588InterneuronsNeurons in the brain and spinal cord that coordinate activity between sensory and motor neurons.4
7955346589Glial CellsProvide nutrients to neurons, insulate neurons, and remove debris when neurons die.5
7955346590Cell BodyThe cell's "control center," the part that looks like a really weird fried egg.6
7955346591DendritesThe spindly bits coming out of the cell body that receive messages from other cells.7
7955346592AxonPasses messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.8
7955346593Myelin SheathCovers the axons of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses.9
7955346594Nodes of RanvierThe uncovered portion of the axons where the neural impulses jump to.10
7955346595Schwann CellsThe protective, fatty layer over the axon. Each individual cell is a Schwann Cell, and all together they form the myelin sheath.11
7955346596Terminal Branch (Button)Form junctions with the other cells in the system, and release neurotransmitters.12
7955346597Resting PotentialWhen the neuron is not transmitting information, the electrical charge is at -70mv, and there are more negative ions inside the neuron than out. The selectively permeable membrane is closed.13
7955346598Action PotentialRapid, powerful change in the state of the neuron, where the neuron reaches the threshold of excitation (-50mv) and excitatory signals outnumber inhibitory ones. Na+ comes in, K+ comes out.14
7955346599All-or-NoneThe neuron either fires, or it doesn't. The intensity of the signal just depends on how often it fires, and in how many neurons fire.15
7955346600Absolute Refractory PeriodPeriod immediately after an action potential, when another action potential cannot occur.16
7955346601Relative Refractory PeriodPeriod after an absolute refractory period, when a neuron will only respond to a stronger than normal impulse.17
7955346602NeurotransmittersSignals released from vesicles that send messages to other neurons, may be inhibitory, excitatory, or both. They regulate many aspects of behavior, and an imbalance may cause maladaptive behavior.18
7955346603Acetylcholine (ACh)The most common neurotransmitter. Enables muscle function, learning, and memory. Alzheimer's causes the ACh-producing neurons to deteriorate.19
7955346604DopamineInfluences learning, movement, learning, attention, and emotion. Too much dopamine is related to Schizophrenia, whereas not enough dopamine is related to the brain tremors and decreased mobility associated with Parkinson's.20
7955346605SerotoninAffects mood, hunger, sleep and arousal. An undersupply can lead to depression. Prozac and other drugs are meant to treat this by raising serotonin levels.21
7955346606NorepinephrineHelps control alertness and arousal, associated with the "fight or flight" response. An undersupply can depress mood.22
7955346607GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)A major inhibitory transmitter, an undersupply can be linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia.23
7955346608GlutamateA major excitatory neurotransmitter related to memory, an oversupply can cause brain migraines or seizures. (Some people avoid MSG because it contains glutamate.)24
7955346609AgonistsMimic, prevent, or quicken release from pre-synaptic neuron25
7955346610AntagonistsBlock neurotransmission26
7955346611BotoulismBlocks release of ACh at the neuromuscular junction, causing paralysis. "Botox" is the toxin used to prevent wrinkling in facial muscles.27
7955346612CurareA poison found in vines in South America, can be used to stun and kill prey quickly. Blocks ACh receptors, preventing movement.28
7955346613Antipsychotic MedicinesBlock dopamine receptors to reduce schizophrenic hallucinations.29
7955346614CaffineIncreases the release of excitatory transmittors by blocking the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine.30
7955346615CocainePrevents re-uptake of dopamine, leads to heightened arousal of the entire nervous system.31

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