Myers Psychology Chapter 2 Vocabulary (6th Edition)
Subject:
Biological Psychology – Focuses on links between biology and behavior.
Neuron – A nerve cell
Dendrite – Branching extension, receives messages
Axon – Extension of a neuron, sends messages
Myelin Sheath – Helps protect and insulate
Action potential – A neural impulse, electrical charge that travels down the axon.
Threshold – the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.
Synapse – The junction between the axon tip (send) and the dendrite (receive)
Neurotransmitters – Chemical messengers that traverse the synaptic gaps between neurons.
Acetylcholine – Triggers muscle contractions
Endorphins – “Natural morphine”, Pain control and pleasure.
Nervous system – Electrochemical communication system of the body
