AP Psychology Flashcard Set #4 - Biological

Sashi Bui

Neuron

A neuron is a nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals throughout the body. The significance of a neuron is that it is the fundamental unit of the nervous system, allowing for the communication of information.

Glial Cells

Glial cells are cells that provide support and protection for neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The significance of glial cells is that they are essential for maintaining the overall health and function of the nervous system.

Dendrites

Dendrites are branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. The significance of dendrites is that they are crucial for receiving information, initiating the neural communication process.

Cell Body (also called the Soma)

The cell body is the central part of a neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles. The significance of the cell body is that it integrates incoming signals and generates the neural impulse.

Axon

An axon is a long, slender extension of a neuron that transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body. The significance of an axon is that it is responsible for transmitting information to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin Sheath

The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates the axon of a neuron. The significance of the myelin sheath is that it increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission.

Terminal Buttons (also called End Buttons, Axon Terminal, Terminal Branches of Axon, and Synaptic Knobs)

Terminal buttons are small knobs at the end of an axon that contain neurotransmitters. The significance of terminal buttons is that they are responsible for releasing chemical messengers into the synapse.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another. The significance of neurotransmitters is that they allow for communication between neurons, enabling all brain and body functions.

Synapse

A synapse is the junction between two neurons where a nerve impulse is transmitted. The significance of a synapse is that it is the critical space for communication between neurons to occur.

Receptor Sites

Receptor sites are protein molecules on the surface of dendrites that bind with specific neurotransmitters. The significance of receptor sites is that they allow the postsynaptic neuron to receive and interpret signals from the presynaptic neuron.

Threshold

The threshold is the minimum level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse. The significance of the threshold is that it determines whether a neuron will fire, ensuring that a signal is strong enough to be transmitted.

Action Potential

An action potential is a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon. The significance of an action potential is that it is the fundamental way a neuron transmits information.

All-or-None Principle

states that a neuron either fires completely or it does not fire at all. The significance of the all

Neural Firing

Neural firing is the process of a neuron transmitting an electrical signal down its axon. The significance of neural firing is that it is the primary method of communication within the nervous system.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Excitatory neurotransmitters are chemicals that increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire. The significance of excitatory neurotransmitters is that they promote the continuation of a neural signal.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Inhibitory neurotransmitters are chemicals that decrease the likelihood that a neuron will fire. The significance of inhibitory neurotransmitters is that they help regulate neural activity and prevent overstimulation.

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction, learning, and memory. The significance of acetylcholine is that it plays a vital role in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, from movement to cognitive functions.

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, pleasure, and motor control. The significance of dopamine is that it is crucial for our ability to experience pleasure and is implicated in conditions like Parkinson's disease.

Endorphins

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers and produce feelings of well

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and social behavior. The significance of serotonin is that it is a key player in emotional well

Afferent Neurons (or Sensory Neurons)

Afferent neurons are nerve cells that transmit sensory information from the body's tissues and organs to the central nervous system. The significance of afferent neurons is that they are responsible for our ability to perceive the world around us.

Efferent Neurons (or Motor Neurons)

Efferent neurons are nerve cells that carry commands from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands. The significance of efferent neurons is that they enable us to move and respond to our environment.

Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The significance of the CNS is that it is the body's main control center, coordinating all thoughts, sensations, and actions.

Peripheral Nervous System

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a network of nerves that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body. The significance of the PNS is that it acts as the communication link between the CNS and the body's organs, muscles, and glands.

Somatic Nervous System

The Somatic Nervous System is the part of the PNS responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles. The significance of the somatic nervous system is that it allows us to consciously move and interact with our surroundings.

Autonomic Nervous System

The Autonomic Nervous System is the part of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. The significance of the autonomic nervous system is that it maintains the body's internal balance automatically.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The Sympathetic Nervous System is the part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for a "fight

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The Parasympathetic Nervous System is the part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body after a stressful event. The significance of the parasympathetic nervous system is that it helps the body return to a resting state, conserving energy.

Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive drugs are chemical substances that alter mood, perception, or behavior by affecting the central nervous system. The significance of psychoactive drugs is that they can be used for medicinal purposes but also have the potential for abuse and addiction.

Agonists

Agonists are drugs that mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter by binding to its receptor sites. The significance of agonists is that they can be used to treat conditions caused by a deficiency of a specific neurotransmitter.

Antagonists

Antagonists are drugs that block the effects of a neurotransmitter by occupying its receptor sites. The significance of antagonists is that they can be used to treat conditions caused by an excess of a specific neurotransmitter.