PSYC 101 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for PSYC 101 lecture notes.

Nervous System

Directly controls all of our behavior and thoughts.

Neuron

A nerve cell; the elementary building block of the nervous system.

Axon

Part of a nerve cell (neuron) that transmits signals.

Action Potential

A rapid rise in resting potential to a peak potential, followed by a return to resting potential.

Resting Potential

The baseline electrical charge of a neuron when it is not actively transmitting a signal (typically -70mV).

Synapse

The junction between two nerve cells, where neurotransmitters are released.

Glia (Glial Cells)

Cells that surround and support neurons in the nervous system.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that surrounds the axons of some neurons, increasing transduction speed.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system associated with voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls subconscious, control systems.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

Spinal Cord

Connects the brain to the rest of the body, transmitting sensory and motor information.

Hindbrain

Phylogenetically older section of the brain that controls vital functions.

Midbrain

Brain section involved in sensory processes and voluntary movements.

Forebrain

Brain region containing the thalamus, and is associated with complex cognitive functions.

Cerebellum

The 'little cerebrum'; involved in motor control, memory, and comparing/updating internal expectations.

Brainstem

Includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata; controls basic, vital functions like breathing.

Reticular Formation

Maintains consciousness and regulates activity states.

Substantia Nigra

Midbrain structure involved in motor function; degeneration leads to Parkinson's disease.

Neurotransmitter

Small molecules released by the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.

EPSP

Excitatory postsynaptic potential; typically involves Ca2+ or Na+ channels.

IPSP

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential; typically involves Cl- or K+ channels.