Psychology- Biological Unit

Neuron

A cell in your body that connects with other neurons and is used to send messages through electrochemical signals to and back from the brain to allow people to respond to stimuli

Neuro/Synaptic Transmission

The process of transmitting signals to and back from the brain

describe the process of neurotransmission

Action potential arrives at the terminal button at the end of the axon, it needs to be transferred to another neuron or tissue in order to activate.

At the end of the axon of the nerve cell there are a number of sacs known as synaptic vesicles, which contain neurotransmitters to help with transfer. They then get released into the synaptic gap

What happens to a released neurotransmitter

A released neurotransmitter is available for a short period of time then it is destroyed or pulled back into the presynaptic neuron

What are excitatory neurotransmitter

Excitatory neurotransmitters allow impulse to cross the synapse and produces stimulating effects on the brain

What are inhibitory neurotransmitter

Inhibitory stop the impulse from crossing the synapse and produce more calming effects on the brain

Maturation

the idea that the brain strengthens over time in terms of social, emotional and mental 

Synaptic/Neuron Pruning

the process in which the brain removes neurons and synapses that it does not need

Neural Networks

A model inspired by the structure and function of connected neurons

Long Term Potentiation

Persistent increase in synaptic strength based on recent patterns of activity

Dendritic Branching/Arborisation

neurons form new dendrite branches for synaptic connections

Structural

Brain structure when person is at rest

Functional

Brain structure when person is active

Agonist

substances that are used to produce a response when binded to a receptor (hormones or neurotransmitters)

Antagonist

substances that block access agonist’s access to a receptor to block signal

Neuroplasticity

The ability for the brain to change and adapt according to its environment