AP Psychology Topic 1.3 - The Neuron and Neural Firing

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord, controlling most functions of the body and mind.

Glial cell

Supportive cells in the nervous system that help maintain and protect neurons.

Interneuron

A type of neuron found in the brain and spinal cord that connects sensory and motor neurons and processes information.

Motor neuron

Neurons that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles to create movement.

Myelin

A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, helping speed up the transmission of electrical signals.

Neuron

The basic unit of the nervous system that transmits information throughout the body.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside the central nervous system, connecting it to the rest of the body.

Reflex arc

The simple neural pathway that controls reflex actions, allowing quick responses to stimuli without brain involvement.

Sensory neuron

Neurons that carry signals from sensory receptors (like touch or pain) to the central nervous system.

Synapse

The junction where one neuron communicates with another, usually via neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and memory.

Action potential

A rapid change in electrical charge that travels along the axon of a neuron, allowing it to transmit a signal

Adrenaline

A hormone released during stress or excitement that increases heart rate and energy.

All-or-nothing principle

The concept that a neuron either fires completely or not at all; there’s no in-between.

Depolarization

The process of changing the electrical charge of a neuron to cause it to fire an action potential.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation.

Endorphin

A group of neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers and mood enhancers.

Excitatory neurotransmitter

A type of neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood of a neuron firing.

Fight-flight-or-freeze response

The body's automatic response to perceived danger, preparing for action

GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to calm brain activity

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates appetite and plays a role in hunger

Glutamate

The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain involved in learning and

Hormone

Chemical messengers in the body that regulate various physiological processes.

Hypothalamus

A part of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system, regulating many bodily functions including temperature and hunger.

Inhibitory neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing.

Leptin

A hormone that helps regulate body weight by signaling fullness.

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from repeated stimulation, important for learning and memory.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves (myelin), affecting communication between the brain and the body.

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

A chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the connection between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness; also serves as a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure

Oxytocin

A hormone that plays a role in social bonding, reproduction, and childbirth.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland of the endocrine system that regulates various hormones and bodily functions.

Refractory period

The short time after a neuron has fired when it cannot fire again

Resting potential

The state of a neuron when it is not transmitting signals, characterized by a negative electrical charge inside the cell

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the neuron that released them

Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of pain signals.