Ap Psych Unit 1 vocab

neural transmission

how neurons communicate

threshold

minimum level of stimulation needed to start an action potential

action potential

electrical impulse that travels through the axon of a neuron

all-or-nothing potential

once a neuron reaches its threshold, the action potential will happen and cannot be stopped, theres also no half-action potential. inversely, if a neuron does not reach threshold, it will not have any action potential

resting potential

stable, negative electrical charge that esixts across the cell membrane of a neuron when it is not transmitting signals

depolarization

phase of action potential when inside of a neuron becomes less neatuve compared to the outside

refractory period

phase of action potential where the neuron is unable to generate another action potential

reuptake

process in which neurotransmitters that have been released into the synapse are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron (the neuron that originally released them)

multiple sclerosis

autoimmune diseas that attcks protective myelin sheath of neurons

myasthenia gravis

autoimmune diseas that affects neuromuscular junction

neurotransmitter

chemical messenger (released by presynaptic neuron) that transmits signals within the nervous system, from neuron to neuron

excitatory neurotransmitters

neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood of an action potential occuring

glutamate

primary excitatory neurotransmitter that promotes brain functions such as learning, memory, and neuroplasticity

inhibitory neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter that decreases the likelihood of an action potential

GABA

inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety

dopamine

neurotransmitter involved in mood, REWARD, MOTIVATION, and movement

seratonin

neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and stress

endorphins

natural pain reliever and mood booster, released during high stress or physical activity

substrate p

neurotransmitter involved w pain signaling

acetylcholine

neurotransmitter that plays a fundamental role in the CNS and PNS involving muscle contraction, memory, and learning

hormones

chemical messengers that are sent through the bloodstream to target cells/organs. regulate physiological responses and processes, usually more long-term changes rather than quick reactions

ghrelin

hormone stimulating hunger

leptin

hormone produces by fat cells, supresses appetite and increases energy expenditure

melatonin

hormone regulating sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms.. plays a role in body’s internal clock

oxytocin

hormone AND neurotransmitter that plays a key role in social bonding, aka the “love hormone”

adrenaline

hormone AND neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the “flight or fight” response/stress response. surges during times of stress, excitement, and/or fear. aka epinephrine. decreases pain and (temporarily) strength

norepinephrine

hormone AND neurotransmitter involved in “fight or flight”/stress response. critical role in increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness during times of high stress