Chapter 3 Biopsychology: Neurons, Neurotransmission, and Brain Structures

Vocabulary flashcards covering neurons, neurotransmission, nervous system divisions, hindbrain and forebrain structures, limbic system, and cerebral cortex.

Neuron

The basic units of the nervous system that communicate with each other.

Resting potential

The stable electrical charge of a neuron when it is not firing.

Action potential

A brief spike in the electrical charge that travels along the axon to transmit a signal.

Synapse

The junction between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Presynaptic neuron

The neuron that sends signals across a synapse.

Postsynaptic neuron

The neuron that receives signals from the synapse.

Axon

The long extension of a neuron that conducts impulses away from the cell body.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger of the nervous system.

Agonist

A substance that strengthens or mimics a neurotransmitter’s activity.

Antagonist

A substance that weakens or blocks a neurotransmitter’s effect.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle action and memory.

Beta-endorphin

Neuropeptide associated with pain reduction and pleasure.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in mood, reward, movement; linked to schizophrenia.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter involved in alertness.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and appetite.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter; contributes to anxiety reduction.

Central nervous system

Brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system

All nerves outside the CNS.

Somatic nervous system

Controls voluntary movement and conveys sensory information to the CNS.

Autonomic nervous system

Regulates involuntary functions (organs, glands, etc.).

Sympathetic nervous system

Activates the body's fight-or-flight response (e.g., dilates pupils, increases heart rate).

Parasympathetic nervous system

Conserves energy and promotes rest-and-digest activities.

Medulla

Brainstem region controlling automatic life-support functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Pons

Brainstem region involved in regulating sleep-related brain activity.

Cerebellum

Brain region for balance, coordination, movement, and some memory processing.

Thalamus

Sensory relay station in the forebrain.

Amygdala

Emotion center; links emotions to memories.

Hippocampus

Brain structure involved in learning and memory.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis: body temperature, appetite, sleep, and blood pressure.

Limbic system

Group of structures involved in emotion and memory (includes amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus).

Cerebral cortex

Outer layer of the brain; site of higher mental capabilities; two hemispheres with four lobes.

Occipital lobe

Lobe at the back of the brain responsible for vision.

Split-brain research

Studies of individuals with severed corpus callosum to reveal lateralization of brain functions.

Hemisphere

One half of the cerebrum; left or right.