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AP Psychology Neurons and Neurotransmittors Flashcards

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4990933054BiopsychologyA 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
4990945512NeuronsNerve cells1
4990949002Sensory (Afferent) NeuronsDetect stimuli from sense organs and relay this information to glands and muscles.2
4990952158Motor (Efferent) NeuronsReceive signals from the brain and/or spinal cord and relay this information to glands and muscles.3
4990959042InterneuronsNeurons in the brain and spinal cord that coordinate activity between sensory and motor neurons.4
4990963047Glial CellsProvide nutrients to neurons, insulate neurons, and remove debris when neurons die.5
4990969432Cell BodyThe cell's "control center," the part that looks like a really weird fried egg.6
4990983611DendritesThe spindly bits coming out of the cell body that receive messages from other cells.7
4990991058AxonPasses messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.8
4990999617Myelin SheathCovers the axons of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses.9
4991005114Nodes of RanvierThe uncovered portion of the axons where the neural impulses jump to.10
4991072111Schwann CellsThe protective, fatty layer over the axon. Each individual cell is a Schwann Cell, and all together they form the myelin sheath.11
4991089979Terminal Branch (Button)Form junctions with the other cells in the system, and release neurotransmitters.12
4991097186Resting 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
5000423552Action 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
5002388971All-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
5029216421Absolute Refractory PeriodPeriod immediately after an action potential, when another action potential cannot occur.16
5029221118Relative Refractory PeriodPeriod after an absolute refractory period, when a neuron will only respond to a stronger than normal impulse.17
5029237469NeurotransmittersSignals 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
5029249673Acetylcholine (ACh)The most common neurotransmitter. Enables muscle function, learning, and memory. Alzheimer's causes the ACh-producing neurons to deteriorate.19
5029264205DopamineInfluences 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
5029287024SerotoninAffects 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
5029297273NorepinephrineHelps control alertness and arousal, associated with the "fight or flight" response. An undersupply can depress mood.22
5029313304GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)A major inhibitory transmitter, an undersupply can be linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia.23
5029318687GlutamateA major excitatory neurotransmitter related to memory, an oversupply can cause brain migraines or seizures. (Some people avoid MSG because it contains glutamate.)24
5029332280AgonistsMimic, prevent, or quicken release from pre-synaptic neuron25
5029334485AntagonistsBlock neurotransmission26
5029341230BotoulismBlocks release of ACh at the neuromuscular junction, causing paralysis. "Botox" is the toxin used to prevent wrinkling in facial muscles.27
5029353148CurareA poison found in vines in South America, can be used to stun and kill prey quickly. Blocks ACh receptors, preventing movement.28
5029362882Antipsychotic MedicinesBlock dopamine receptors to reduce schizophrenic hallucinations.29
5029366181CaffineIncreases the release of excitatory transmittors by blocking the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine.30
5029375495CocainePrevents re-uptake of dopamine, leads to heightened arousal of the entire nervous system.31

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