Neuroscience Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover various concepts related to neuroscience, including neuronal structure, communication between neurons, and the roles of neurotransmitters in psychological processes.

What is a neuron?

a single cell that is the basic component of the nervous system and communicates with other cells.

What do neurons do?

communicates with other cells and send information over long distances.

What are glial cells?

supportive cells in the nervous system that help hold neurons in place and perform other functions.

What is the function of dendrites?

receive information from other neurons.

What is the axon?

the long part of the neuron that sends signals away from the cell body.

What is the myelin sheath?

a fatty tissue that wraps around the axon, insulating it and helping to speed up signal transmission.

What is resting potential?

the state of a neuron when it is not firing, characterized by a negative charge inside and a positive charge outside.

What occurs during action potential?

the interior of the neuron becomes positively charged as it fires.

What do mirror neurons do?

respond to the actions of others as if the observer were performing the same action.

What is synapse?

the gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are sent.

What are neurotransmitters?

chemicals released by neurons that transmit signals to other neurons.

What is reuptake?

the process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron after they have been used.

What is acetylcholine's role?

neurotransmitter involved in memory, attention, and muscle activation.

What does glutamate do?

excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory.

What is the function of GABA?

inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and promotes sleep.

What is dopamine known for?

involved in the reward circuitry of the brain and motor control.

What does serotonin influence?

controls mood, appetite, sleep, and is associated with depression.

What do endorphins do?

neurotransmitters that reduce pain and promote feelings of pleasure.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

What is the central nervous system composed of?

the brain and spinal cord.

What does the somatic nervous system control?

controls voluntary movements and sends sensory information.

What is the autonomic nervous system responsible for?

controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate and digestion.

What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

prepares the body for fight or flight in stressful situations.

What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

promotes rest and digest processes in the body.

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

known as the master gland, regulating other glands and controlling growth.

What do adrenal glands release?

hormones such as adrenaline during stress response.

What does the thyroid gland regulate?

regulates metabolism and energy levels in the body.

What is the function of the pineal gland?

regulates sleep-wake cycles by producing melatonin.

What is behavioral neuroscience?

a field that examines the relationship between brain function and behavior.

How do neurons signal intensity?

varying their firing rate; more intense stimuli result in faster firing.

What does the term 'all or none' mean in relation to neurons?

a neuron either fires at full strength or not at all.

What is action potential measured in?

millivolts (mV), typically reaching about +30 to +40 mV.

What is the resting potential of a neuron?

approximately -70 mV.

What is a neurotransmitter's role in communication?

facilitates communication between neurons by transmitting signals across synapses.

What determines whether a neuron fires?

if it receives enough excitatory input to reach the threshold.

What does the term 'afferent' refer to in the nervous system?

sensory pathways that carry information to the central nervous system.

What does 'efferent' mean?

motor pathways that carry signals away from the central nervous system to the muscles.

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary muscle movement?

The somatic nervous system

What is the role of sensory neurons?

gather information from the environment through sensory receptors.

What is the function of a motor neuron?

transmit signals to muscles to initiate movement.

What is the primary role of the hypothalamus?

regulates homeostasis, including temperature, hunger, and sleeping.

How does the autonomic nervous system differ from the somatic nervous system?

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary actions.

What are the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?

the autonomic nervous system are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

What is the purpose of the fight-or-flight response?

prepares the body to confront or flee from perceived danger.

What is the reason for pupil dilation during stress?

allows more light to enter the eyes, improving vision in stressful situations.

What does the term 'tend and befriend' refer to?

a behavioral response to stress more commonly associated with females. 

What is the connection between neurotransmitters and psychological disorders?

Neurotransmitter imbalances can contribute to various psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety.

What role does the endocrine system play in the body?

releases hormones into the bloodstream, regulating long-term bodily functions.

What hormone is released during stressful situations?

Adrenaline, released by the adrenal glands, is involved in the body's response to stress.

What is a common effect of high levels of cortisol?

stress-related health issues.

How do neurotransmitters and hormones differ in terms of signaling?

Neurotransmitters act on nearby neurons while hormones circulate through the bloodstream to affect distant organs.

What neurotransmitter is often linked to feelings of happiness?

Serotonin is often linked to feelings of happiness and well-being.