Psych Chapter 3: Neurons

This is part one of Chapter 3 - biopsychology

genotype

genetic makeup of an individual

phenotype

individual’s inheritable physical characteristics

allele

specific version of a gene. Ex: different hair color (dom-A; recessive-a)

synapse

synaptic gap

small gap between two neurons where communication occurs

acrtion potential

electrical signal that moves down the neuron’s axon

Dendrites

branch-like extension of the soma that receives incoming signals from other neurons

depolarization

Inside of cell becomes less negative

Hyperpolarization

inside of cell becomes more negative

threshold of exitation

level of charge in the membrane that causes the neuron to become active