1.3 Neurons & Neural Firing

Generated from AP Psychology Curriculum Guide

Neurons

Neural cells that transmit information in the brain.

Glial cells

Cells that provide structure, insulation, communication, and waste transport in the nervous system.

Reflex arc

A neural pathway that controls reflex actions, involving sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that carry signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Motor neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Neural transmission

The process by which neurons communicate, involving the all-or-nothing principle, depolarization, refractory period, resting potential, reuptake, and threshold.

All-or-nothing principle

The concept that a neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Depolarization

The process of reducing the difference in charge across a neuron's membrane, leading to an action potential.

Refractory period

The time following an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire again.

Resting potential

The electrical charge of a neuron when it is not actively firing.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron after transmitting a signal.

Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, influencing behavior and mental processes.

Excitatory messages

Neurotransmitter signals that increase the likelihood of an action potential occurring.

Inhibitory messages

Neurotransmitter signals that decrease the likelihood of an action potential occurring.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motor control.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness.

Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

GABA

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers and are associated with pleasure.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of pain signals.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in muscle movement and memory.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that perform actions similar to neurotransmitters outside the nervous system.

Adrenaline

A hormone that increases heart rate and energy in response to stress.

Leptin

A hormone that helps regulate energy balance and suppress appetite.

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates appetite and increases food intake.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Oxytocin

A hormone associated with bonding, social behaviors, and reproduction.

Psychoactive drugs

Substances that influence neurotransmitter function and affect mental processes.

Agonists

Drugs that encourage neural firing by mimicking neurotransmitters.

Antagonists

Drugs that discourage neural firing by blocking neurotransmitter effects.

Reuptake inhibitors

Drugs that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the synapse.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase neural activity, such as caffeine and cocaine.

Depressants

Drugs that decrease neural activity, such as alcohol.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that cause distortions in perception and cognition, such as marijuana.

Opioids

Drugs that act as pain relievers, such as heroin.

Tolerance

A condition where increasing amounts of a drug are needed to achieve the same effect.

Addiction

A compulsive need for a substance, often leading to withdrawal symptoms when not consumed.