Chapter 3

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33 Terms

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Neuron

The basic functional unit of the nervous system, neurons are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals, playing a crucial role in processing and communicating sensory and motor information.

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Dendrites

Branch-like extensions of neurons that receive incoming signals from other neurons or sensory cells, playing a vital role in determining whether the neuron will generate an electrical response.

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Axon

A long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards other neurons or muscles, often covered by a myelin sheath to enhance transmission speed.

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Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide structural support, nourishment, and protection to neurons while also aiding in the maintenance of homeostasis and forming myelin.

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Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer encasing axons that significantly increases the speed at which electrical impulses are transmitted along the neuron, facilitating efficient communication within the nervous system.

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Synapse

The specialized junction between two neurons, where the transmission of signals occurs through the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron to bind with receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

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Sensory Neurons

A type of neuron responsible for transmitting sensory information from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system, allowing us to perceive our environment.

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Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling actions and responses to stimuli, such as movement.

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Action Potential

A rapid and temporary fluctuation in the electrical potential of a neuron’s membrane that occurs when a stimulus reaches a certain threshold, leading to the transmission of an electrical signal along the axon.

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Resting Potential

The stable, negative charge (-70mV) that exists across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not actively transmitting a signal, maintained by ion channels and pumps.

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Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after they have activated receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, effectively terminating the neurotransmitter's action.

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Transduction

The process through which sensory receptors convert physical energy (such as light, sound, or pressure) from stimuli into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system.

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Absolute Threshold

The minimal level of stimulus intensity that is required for a sensory system to detect a stimulus 50% of the time, establishing sensitivity baselines for sensory modalities.

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Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

The smallest difference in stimulus intensity that a person can detect at least 50% of the time, which is governed by the principle that differences are proportionate to the initial stimulus intensity.

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Weber's Law

The principle stating that the just noticeable difference between stimuli is a constant ratio of the original stimulus intensity, implying that larger stimuli require larger differences to notice a change.

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Signal Detection Theory

A theoretical framework that explains how individuals discern between signal presence and noise in uncertain conditions, accounting for the influence of motivation and expectations.

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Sensory Adaptation

A phenomenon where prolonged exposure to a stimulus results in a diminished sensitivity, allowing individuals to focus on changes in their environment rather than constant stimuli.

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Receptors

Molecular structures located on the surface of neurons that bind to specific neurotransmitters, initiating a response in the receiving neuron.

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Action Potentials vs. Graded Potentials

Action potentials are all-or-nothing responses that occur when a neuron fires, while graded potentials are smaller, variable changes in membrane potential that can summate to trigger an action potential.

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Nervous System

The complex network of neurons and glial cells that coordinates the body's actions and sensory information processing, integral to maintaining homeostasis and responding to stimuli.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comprising the brain and spinal cord, the CNS is responsible for processing sensory information, integrating data, and coordinating responses.

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system outside the CNS that connects it to the limbs and organs, encompassing both sensory and motor neurons.

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Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that increase the likelihood of the firing of action potentials in receiving neurons by depolarizing their membranes.

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Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that decrease the likelihood of action potentials occurring in receiving neurons by hyperpolarizing their membranes.

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Neuroplasticity

The remarkable ability of the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, influenced by experience, learning, and environmental changes.

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Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the brain, crucial for higher-order functions such as perception, cognition, reasoning, decision-making, and voluntary motor activity.

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Somatic Nervous System

The component of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary muscle movements and transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system.

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Autonomic Nervous System

The division of the peripheral nervous system that manages involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, respiration, and digestion.

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Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system that initiates the body's 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body to respond to perceived threats.

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Parasympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and promotes 'rest and digest' functions following stress responses.

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Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates reflex actions, consisting of a sensory neuron, an interneuron (in some cases), and a motor neuron, allowing for rapid responses to stimuli.

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Brainstem

The structural base of the brain that regulates fundamental life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, acting as a communication center between the brain and spinal cord.

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Limbic System

A complex set of brain structures that support functions such as emotion, memory, and motivation; it includes the hippocampus, amygdala, and other associated areas.