AP Psych Module 9

Phrenology

studying bumps on skull

Localization of function

• promoted by phrenology

• Various brain regions have particular functions

Neuron

• nerve cell; building block of nervous system

• Cell body and branching fibers

Cell Body/Soma

Part of Neuron containing Nucleus

Dendrites

branching extension that receive/integrate message, conduct impulse to cell body

Axon

neuron extension that pass message thru branches to other neurons or to muscles/glands

Myelin Sheath

• fatty tissue insulating axon and speeding impulse

• Finish developing at 25 then neural efficiency, judgement and self control grows

Glial Cell

• Spidery cell in nervous system

• support, protect, nourish neuron

• More complex the brain, higher proportion of Glial to neurons

Agonist

molecule increase neurotransmitter action

antagonist

decrease neurotransmitter action by blocking production