Unit 1B Psychology

Dendrites

Part of the neuron; branch-like extensions that receive messages from other cells. Sends information to the cell body (soma).

Receptor Cites

Located on the ends of dendrites. Receives message from sending neuron. They are like a lock, which a particular molecule from the sending neuron’s terminal button (the key) will open a pathway.

Soma

Dendrites complete their job by passing income messages here. Contains cell’s nucleus and life support center. Also known as the cell’s body.

Axon

Extends from the cell body (soma) to the terminal axon endings; its job is to carry an electrical message to the next neutron. Its length of the neuron.

Myelin Sheath

Is the fatty substance around the axon to protect from damage and insults. Speeds up the neural message. Made of glial cells.

Nodes of Ranvier

The points at which the myelin sheathing is broken up, creating gaps.

Axon Terminals/ Terminal Branches

Branches at the end of axon, sends signals to other neurons.

Terminal Buttons

The ends of the sending neurons; responsible for reuptake and contain vesicles with neurotransmitters.

Synapse gap

At the end of terminal buttons; typically where two neurons meet.

Synaptic Vesicles

Stores various neurotransmitters that are released at synapse. Located in the terminal buttons.

Neural Transmittion

Process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Immune system mistakenly attacks myelin sheathing.

Myasthenia Gravis (MSG)

A autoimmune disorder that affects neuromuscular junction, where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. Immune system produces antibodies that block receptors for acetycholine. Sensitivity from processed foods and flavors.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that carry messages from one neuron to another across the synapse.

Excitatory Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released by neurons that increase the likely hood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron.

Glutamate

Primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central Nervous system. Stronger and new neural connection. Is involved in memory, learning, and brain Plasticity. If there is an oversupply can lead to migraines and seizures. MSG Sensitivity from processed foods and flavors. Is the most common neural transmitter.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released by neurons that decrease the likelihood of an action potential occurring in postsynaptic neurons.

Gaba

Primary inhibitory neural transmitter in central nervous system. It promotes relaxation, focus, and reduces anxiety and fear. An under supply can cause seizes, tremors, and insomnia.

Dopamine

A neural transmitter that plays a critical role in regulating mood, learning from unexpected outcomes, and decides which actions are worth repeating. Brain’s reward system. (Feel good neurotransmitter). An under supply can cause tremors and limited mobility (Parkinson’s). An oversupply can cause schizophrenia (hallucinations and delusions).

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, sleep cycle, arouse, appetite, and stress. Essential neurotransmitter for mental health “happy NT”, fulfillment. An under supply can cause depression.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitter is produced by the brain and CNS that acts as the natural pain reliever and mood enhancers. Released in response to stress, pain, or intense physical activity.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter plays a role in both CNS and PNS, involved in muscle movement (both fine and gross movements). Is connected to causing Alzheimer's.

Substance P

Neurotransmitter involved in transmitting pain signals in nerves. An oversupply can cause chronic pain.

Norephinephrine (adrenaline)

Neurotransmitter that helps control alertness and arousal. A driver of a sympathetic nervous system. An oversupply can cause a depressive mood.

Agonist

Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters to enhance the neurotransmitter’s message and increase the chances of an action potential.

Antagonist

Drugs that block NT to reduce or stop the message.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

A class of meds for depression/ anxiety that prevent the reuptake of serotonin, allow the message to continue, and therefore boosting one’s overall serotonin levels in the body.

Psychoactive Drug

 A chemical substance that alters conscious awareness, perception, and mood.

Addiction

Substance abuse that continue despite harmful situation.

Tolerance

The diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug…need more for same effect!!

Withdrawal

The discomfort and distress associated with discontinued use of a drug. Affects are nausea, aches, distress

Depressants

Reduce neural activity, slow down body function (like speech and reaction time), inhibit the CNS.

Alcohol

disinhibition (more likely to act upon when intoxicated). Is a depressant.

Barbiturates / Benzos

Tranquilizers (sleeping pills). Is a depressant.

Opiates/ Opioids

Derived from the poppy plant to treat pain or cause sleep. Opium, & Heroin (allows dopamine to flood your neurons). Pain relieving narcotics: Oxycontin, Vicodin, Morphine, fentanyl.

Stimulants

Excite neural activity and speed up bodily functions (increased heart rate, blood sugar, breathing, but appetite is reduced). Some examples include caffeine, nicotine, cocaine (prevents reabsorption of Dopamine), methamphetamine (dopamine), Ecstasy (triggers dopamine, but also releases serotonin and blocks its reuptake).

Hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory effects in the absence of sensory input. Two of the drugs include marijuana and LSD.

Memory Consolidation

Theory that dreams help us sort out the day’s events and consolidate our memories.

Restoration

Theory that dreams restore depleted resources used throughout the day.

Activation-Synthesis

Theory that REM sleep triggers impulses that evoke random visual memories, which our sleeping brain weaves into stories.

Altered State of Consciousness

State in which there is a shift in the quality of pattern of mental activity as compared to waking consciousness.

Meditation

Mental training practice that involves focusing your mind on your experiences in the present moment.

Hypnosis

A person (therapist) will suggest that certain feelings, thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors will spontaneously occur to help relieve pain/ anxiety.

Sleep

A periodic, natural loss of consciousness-distinct from unconsciousness resulting from a coma or general anesthesia.

Circadian Rhythm “24 Hours”

The cycle of physiological and biological processes that fluctuate 24-hour timetable (16 hours awake and 8 hours asleep). This is sleep and wakefulness. It is in charge of metabolism, core body temperature, and cortisol levels. Melatonin is a sleep-inducing hormone that happens during this cycle.

The Sleep-Wake Cycle

Sleep has a biological rhythm, cycle every 90 mins or so.  Occurs 3-5 times a night.

Awake

Brain Wave’s at this stage are Alpha & Beta. Alpha waves happen during Netflix binging and feeling drowsy. Beta waves happen while Playing a sport or taking a test.

NREM stage 1

Brain Wave’s at this stage are Theta. The feeling of hallucinations happens during this stage. Hypnagogic Sensations-transition to sleep. Jerking, falling, floating, etc. You can still be awakened easily.

NREM stage 2

Brain Wave’s at this stage are Theta + Sleep Spindles (brief burst of brain activity)  & K-Complexes (hallmark of the stage, random, deep waves). Memory Consolidation happens during this stage. Commonly sleep through loud noises, sleep talking in this stage.

NREM stages 3,4

Brain Wave’s at this stage are Delta. Typically Slow, deep sleep, restorative at this stage. Sleep walk, talk (if not aware) often happen during this stage.

REM Sleep “Rapid Eye Movement”

Increased heart rate, rapid/ irregular breathing, eyes dart, dreaming occurs. The brain becomes more active but you are paralyzed. This stage of sleep gets longer throughout the night. Paradoxical because the brain waves are similar to being awake! 

Sleep Deprivation

Less sleep than what your body needs. Ranges from acute sleep loss to total deprivation.

REM Rebound

The lengthening and increasing frequency and depth of REM Sleep due to sleep debt.

Microsleep

Uncontrollable, brief episode of sleep. Can last anywhere from a single fraction of a second up to 10 full seconds. Usually unaware it has occurred.

Circadian Rhythm Disruption

An out-of-sync sleep/wake cycle (disrupts circadian rhythm). Disruption of this can occur during Jetlag or Shift Work.

Insomnia

Inability to get to sleep, stay asleep, or get a good quality of sleep. Usually spend more than 20 minutes falling asleep/ getting back to sleep. Overestimate the amount of time it takes to fall asleep

Sleep Apnea

Chronic medical condition where one repeatedly stops breathing during sleep. Last 10 seconds or more. Cause oxygen levels to drop or awakenings from sleep.

Narcolepsy

Sleep disorder in which a person falls immediately into REM sleep during the day without warning. A genetic disorder, usually a trigger is an intense emotion. The treatment can be Amphetamines.

Night Terrors

Rare disorder results in extreme fear and screams/ runs during deep sleep. Typically affects children.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

When an individual in REM sleep physically and vocally act out their dreams.

Somnambulism

Medical term for sleepwalking, typically occurs in NREM or between stages of sleep.