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Dendrites
Branchlike parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information.
Soma
cell body; location of organelles
Axon
the extension of a neuron, ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles or glands
terminal fibers
branches at the end of the axon that release neurotransmitters
myelin sheath
made of lipids; covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses
Neurotransmitters
chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons
synaptic cleft (synapse)
tiny gap that separates the axon terminal of one neuron from the dendrite terminal of the next neuron
reuptake transporter
protein that removes neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft to inactivate the signaling
Acetylcholine
enables muscle action, learning, and memory
Dopamine
a neurotransmitter that regulates your reward pathway/pleasure, learning/memory, muscle control/posture, & attention
GABA
a major inhibitory neurotransmitter (Deals with sleep, and regulating anxiety)
Glutamate
A major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory/learning/thought (5 senses)
Epinephrine
a neurotransmitter associated with the fight-or-flight response (sugar/glucose metabolism), energy during exercise
Norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter involved in arousal, as well as in learning and mood regulation, dreaming in sleep, and blood pressure during fight-or-flight
Endorphins
inhibitory neural regulators; involved in pain relief
Serotonin
Affects mood, hunger, sleep, body temperature and arousal
Cocaine
Blocks dopamine reuptake transporters; overstimulates the reward pathway
Amphetamines
Mimic dopamine and gets taken up by the reuptake transporters, replacing dopamine in the vesicles and overstimulating the reward pathway
Inhalants
Degrades the myelin sheaths and can have a variety of effects
Opiates
Mimic endorphins, and bind to receptors that turn off inhibitory neurotransmitters --- this causes dopamine to flood the pain pathway
Alcohol
Increases/Stimulates the effects of GABA AND blocks the effects of Glutamate; you cannot stimulate a large part of your brain
Nicotine
Mimics Ach and binds to the Ach receptors, overstimulating the neuron. In addition, has effects on the enzymes that break down dopamine.
Marijuana (THC)
Mimics Anandamide neurotransmitter and attaches onto the receptor. Causes those areas to be flooded with dopamine (specifically in areas involved in memory, mood, appetite, and emotion).
LSD (acid)
Powerful hallucinogenic drug that blocks and mimics serotonin and both inhibits and excites different areas of the brain. Causes a variety of sensory effects.
ecstasy
Mimics serotonin and gets taken up by the reuptake transporters, pushing serotonin into the synapse. Toxic to the neuron and causes incorrect dendrite regrowth.
resting potential
The difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a neuron's cell membrane
action potential
a neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
inhibitory neurotransmitters
chemicals released from the terminal buttons of a neuron that try to prevent the next neuron from firing
excitatory neurotransmitters
chemicals released from the terminal buttons of a neuron that try to get the next neuron to fire
Polarization of neuron
having a separation of charges; negative ions on the inside and positive on the exterior of the neuron
Depolarization
The process during the action potential when channels open and allow ions to move into/out of the cell, until an equilibrium has been reached