Section 3.1: Biological Psychology and Neurotransmission - Terms

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits electrical signals throughout the body, enabling communication within the nervous system.

Neural communication

The process by which neurons transmit signals to each other through electrical impulses and chemical synapses.

Cell body

The central part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and is responsible for maintaining the cell's functions.

Dendrite

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive electrical signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long, thread-like part of a neuron that transmits electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Myelin sheath

A fatty layer that surrounds the axon of some neurons, speeding up the transmission of electrical impulses.

Glial cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist with neuron function, provide structural support, and aid in maintenance and repair.

Action potential

A rapid, temporary change in the electrical charge across a neuron’s membrane that allows it to transmit an electrical signal.

Depolarization

The process during an action potential where the neuron's membrane potential becomes more positive, allowing the signal to travel.

Threshold

The minimum level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron.

Refractory period

The brief period after an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire another action potential, as it returns to its resting state.

All-or-none response

The principle that a neuron will either fire at full strength or not at all once the threshold is reached.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons, where communication occurs through neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses to other neurons or target cells.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the neuron that released them, terminating the signal.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, often released during activities like exercise.

Agonist

A substance that mimics or enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter at its receptor site.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter at its receptor site.