Neuroscience – Psychology 224 Exam Preparation

These flashcards include key terms and definitions from the Neuroscience course materials to aid in exam preparation.

Axon

The part of a neuron that transmits signals away from the cell body to other neurons.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger that transmits signals across the synapse from one neuron to another.

Action Potential

A brief reversal of membrane potential that leads to the transmission of a nerve impulse.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons and increases the speed of neural transmission.

Resting Membrane Potential

The electrical potential across the membrane of a resting neuron, typically around -70 mV.

EPSP

Excitatory postsynaptic potential; a depolarization that makes a neuron more likely to fire.

IPSP

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential; a hyperpolarization that makes a neuron less likely to fire.

Neural Integration

The process by which multiple synaptic inputs combine within a neuron.

Ligand-Dependent Receptor

A receptor that requires a specific molecule (ligand) to activate or block its function.

Voltage-Gated Ion Channel

A type of ion channel that opens or closes in response to changes in membrane potential.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A membrane protein that transports sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell, critical for maintaining resting potential.

Glutamate

An amino acid neurotransmitter that is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid; the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Dendrite

The part of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that create myelin sheaths in the central nervous system.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells that create myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide structural and metabolic support to neurons.

Threshold of Excitation

The level of depolarization needed to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions such as perception, thought, and planning.

Hippocampus

A brain region involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the brain associated with reasoning, decision making, problem solving, and planning.

Temporal Lobe

The brain region involved in processing auditory information and is important for memory.

Parietal Lobe

The area of the brain that processes sensory information, including touch and spatial orientation.

Occipital Lobe

The region at the back of the brain that processes visual information.

Limbic System

A set of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and motivation.

Autonomic Nervous System

A part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Fluid that circulates in and around the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrients.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Conditioning

A learning process in which a response becomes associated with a stimulus.

Depolarization

A decrease in membrane potential, making the inside of the cell less negative.

Hyperpolarization

An increase in membrane potential, making the inside of the cell more negative.