PSYCH 110

Neurons

nerve cells

Dendrite

cluster of fibers at 1 end of neuron that receive massages from other neurons

Axon

carries messages received by the dendrites to other neurons

Myelin sheath

protective coating of fat and protein that wraps around the axon

Action potential

an electric nerve impulse that travels through a neuron’s axon when it is set off by a trigger

Synapse

the space between 2 neurons where the axon of the sending neuron communicates with the dendrites of a receiving neuron by using chemical messages

Neurotransmitters

chemicals that carry messages across the synapse to the dendrite of a receiving neuron

CNS

part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord

Spinal cord

bundle of neurons that leaves the brain and runs down the back

PNS

part of the nervous system that includes autonomic and somatic subdivisions

Sympathetic system

prepares the body for action in stressful situations

Parasympathetic system

acts to calm the body after emergency has ended

Central core

controls basic functions like eating and sleeping

Medulla

controls heartbeat and breathing

Pons

transmitter of motor information, coordinates muscles, and movement between the left and right

Cerebellum

controls body balance

Thalamus

relays information about the senses

Broca’s

language production

Wernicke’s

comprehension of words