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Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons.
Myelin Sheath
A fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neurons, which enables vastly greater transmission speed of neural impulses by limiting interference by other neural impulses of other neurons.
Neuron
A nerve cell. The basic building block of the nervous system.
Examples: Endorphins, serotonin, dopamine.
Neurotransmitters
Biological Psychology
The scientific study of the links between the biological (genetic, neural, hormonal,) and psychological processes.
Endorphins
Natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and pleasure. Literally meaning “morphine from within”
Action Potential
A neural impulse, or a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that, when it is reabsorbed to quickly, can cause depression because too little is in the synaptic gap. Reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed.
Reuptake
The process of sending-neurons reabsorbing excess neurotransmitters from the synaptic gap.
Synaptic Gap
The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron.
Cell Body
The neuron’s life support center.
Terminal Branches
The split ends of the axon that form junctions with other neurons.
Dendrites
A neuron’s bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.
Glial Cells (Glia)
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish and protect neurons. They may also play a role in learning, thinking, and “cleaning out” the brain.
Threshold
The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.
Axon
The neuron’s long extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands.
Autonomic Nervous System
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the gland and muscles of the internal organs. One part arouses, the other part calms.
Nervous system
The body’s speedy electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous system.
Interneurons
Neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and connect sensory inputs and motor outputs.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations.
Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord
Somatic Nervous Sustem
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles
Nerves
Bundled axons that form neural “cables” connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs.
Peripheral Nervous System
The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
Motor Neurons
Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.
Sensory Neurons
Neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body.
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