Psych Unit 2: Part 1 Terms

sensory (afferent) neurons

Neurons that carry incoming information from the body’s tissues and sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord

agonist

A molecule that increases the action of a neurotransmitter

neurogenesis

The formation of new neurons

thalamus

The brains sensory control center, located on top of the brain stem; directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla

glial cells

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they also play a role in learning, thinking, and memory

motor (efferent) neurons

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands

pituitary gland

The endocrine system's most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands

refractory period

In neural processing, a brief resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fried; subsequent action potentials cannot occur until the axon returns to its resting state

interneurons

Neurons within the brain and spinal cord; communicate internally and process information between the sensory inputs and motor outputs

antagonist

A molecule that inhibits it blocks the action of a neurotransmitter

reticular formation

A nerve network that travels through the brain stem into the thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal

blindsight

A condition in which a person can respond to a visual stimulus without consciously experiencing it

adrenal glands

A pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that help arouse the body in times of stress