Neurotranmission

Synapses

Gaps between neurons

Myelin Sheath

Insulating layer around the axon that makes transmission more efficient

Axon

Long fiber that transmits electrical impulses to other neurons

Soma

Cell body that contains the nucleus

Dendrites

Branches that receive signals from other neurons

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that increase the chance of a neuron firing by depolarizing it

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that decrease the chances of a neuron firing by hyperpolarizing it

What happens to neurotransmitters after they are in a synapse?

The fit into their respective receptor sites and then are broken down/reabsorbed into the axon terminal they came from

What is one criticism of the argument that each behavior can be attributed to certain neurotransmitters?

Most psychologists believe that this theory is reductionist because it does not take into account other factors that influence behavior

Agonist

A substance that is able to bind to certain receptor sites that mimics the behavior of certain neurotransmitters

Antagonist

A substance that blocks certain receptor sites, not allowing certain neurotransmitters to interact with them

What is an agonist for serotonin? What is an agonist for acetylcholine? What is an antagonist for acetylcholine?

Psilocybin, Nicotine, Scopolamine

Behaviors associated with Actylecholine

The consolidation of memory in the hippocampus

Behaviors associated with Dopamine

Controlling the reward/pleasure centers of the brain, motivation

Behaviors associated with Norepinephrine

Arousal, alertness, blood pressure, heart rate

Behaviors associated with Serotonin

Sleep, arousal, mood, social behavior, appetite

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks chemical messages in the central nervous system