Psych - Unit 1: Neural Transmission

nerves

bundles of neurons, the basic unit of the nervous system

neurons

cells with clearly defined, nucleated cell body

soma

clearly defined, nucleated cell body

dendrites

receive input from other neurons through receptors on surface

axon

responds to input from dendrites and soma. transmits neural message down into length and on to other cells

myelin sheath

fatty coating around axon

Nodes of Ravier

the gap between myelin “beads”, speeds up neural transmission

myelin

serves as insulation and speeds up rate at which electrical info travels down

terminal buttons

end of axon, come close to cell bodies and dendrites of other neurons, but never touch

synapse

gap between terminal buttons and other cell bodies/dendrites

neurotransmitters

chemical messengers that are released across synapse

glial cells

non-neuronal cells that provide physical and chemical support to the neurons

resting membrane potential

the stable, negative electrical charge difference across a cell's membrane when it's inactive

action potential/nerve impulse

disturbance in the membrane potential

depolarization

change in membrane potential from resting potential to less negative or positive potential

action potentials

potentials that are “all or none“, have a fixed strength

refractory phase

the phase after a neuron fires where no amount of stimulation can cause the neuron to fire again

neurotransmitters

communication between cells happens via ___

Excitatory neurotransmitters

the neurotransmitters that serve to excite the cell or cause the neuron to fire

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

the neurotransmitters that stop cell firing

reuptake

the process by which a neurotransmitter is absorbed back into the cell that released it

Acetylcholine

N.T. that affects memory function and muscle contraction

Serotonin

N.T. that relates to arousal, sleep, pain sensitivity, and moon/hunger regulation

Dopamine

N.T. associated w/ movement, attention, and reward

GABA

inhibitory N.T.

Glutamate

excitatory N.T., counterpart to GABA

Norepinephrine

N.T. that affects alertness (lack of implicates depression)

Endorphins

N.T. that is body’s natural painkillers

Substance P

N.T. linked to pain, mood, vasodilation, and learning