Psychology Module 5: The Nervous System and the Endocrine System

Nervous System

Electro-chemical communication system of the body. Sends messages for movement and brings information to the brain.

Neuron

A nerve cell; building blocs of nervous system. Receive, carry, and pass information.

Dendrite

Extension of a neuron that receives information from other neuron cells and conducts impulses toward cell body.

Soma

The neuron cell body. Maintains the health of the neuron.

Axon

Passes messages from soma to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin Sheath

Covers axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses.

Axon Terminal

The end point of a neuron where neurotransmitters are stored. Kind of like a button.

Action Potential

Neural impulse. Electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron. Considered on condition of the neuron.

Refectory Period

“Recharging Phase” After firing it cannot generate another action potential. Goes into refractory period and once it is over the neuron can fire again.

Resting Potential

Neuron is at rest and is read for command to generate an action potential.

All-or-none Principle

If a neuron fires then it always fires the same intensity; all action potentials have the same strength every time they are fired. If a neuron is damage it dies.