Ap Psych Organization of Nerv. Sys Flashcards

Terminal buttons (synaptic knobs)

Structures at the end of a neuron that release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons.

Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath of a neuron where action potentials are regenerated.

Resting potential

The electrical charge difference across the neuron's membrane when it is not transmitting signals.

Threshold

The level of depolarization needed to trigger an action potential.

All-or-none phenomenon (or theory)

The principle that an action potential either fires completely or not at all.

Refractory period

The time after an action potential when a neuron is less responsive to stimulation.

Sensory neurons (afferent neurons)

Neurons that carry sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

Interneurons

Neurons that transmit signals between sensory neurons and motor neurons.

Motor neurons (efferent neurons)

Neurons that carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

Reflex

Involuntary response to a stimulus mediated by neural pathways called reflex arcs.

Neural networks

Interconnected neurons that work together to process information.

Ion channels

Proteins in the neuron's membrane that control the flow of ions in and out of the cell.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Neuromodulator

Chemical substances that regulate the activity of neurons and neurotransmission.