Psych

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons.

Axon

Long fiber that transmits signals from the neuron to other cells.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty layer that insulates the axon, speeding up signal transmission.

Synaptic Terminal

End of the neuron that sends signals to other neurons.

Synaptic Gap

Space between the synaptic terminal and the next neuron where neurotransmitters are released.

Terminal Buttons

Small knobs at the end of the axon that release neurotransmitters.

Vesicles

Small sacs in the terminal buttons that store neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synaptic gap.

Multiple Sclerosis

Condition caused by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath, leading to damaged nerves.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord, controlling most bodily functions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to limbs and organs.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates the "fight or flight" response during stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Promotes the "rest and digest" response, calming the body.

Electrochemical Communication

Neurons communicate through electrical signals (action potentials) and chemical signals (neurotransmitters).

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Increase the likelihood of the receiving neuron firing an action potential (e.g., Glutamate).

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Decrease the likelihood of an action potential (e.g., GABA).

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neural activity (calming effect).

Glutamate

Excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter that influences movement, emotion, and reward pathways.

Serotonin

Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

Norepinephrine

Controls alertness and arousal.

Acetylcholine

Important for muscle function and memory.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that relieve pain and induce euphoria.

Substance P

Transmits pain signals.

Epilepsy

Neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Myasthenia Gravis

Condition characterized by muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and problems with eye movement.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Neurodegenerative disorder associated with low levels of acetylcholine, affecting the hippocampus.

Endocrine System

Releases hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and mood.

Oxytocin

Hormone that promotes social bonding and maternal behaviors.

Ghrelin

Hormone that stimulates hunger.

Leptin

Hormone that inhibits hunger, regulating energy balance.

Melatonin

Hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Adrenaline

Hormone that increases heart rate and energy during stress.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon.

Threshold of Excitation

The level of depolarization needed to trigger an action potential.

Resting Potential

The negative charge inside the neuron when it is not transmitting signals.

Depolarization

Process where the neuron's membrane potential becomes more positive, leading to an action potential.

All-or-None Law

A neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Refractory Period

A period immediately following an action potential when the neuron is unable to fire again.