Bio psych 1

Endoplasmic reticulum

A cellular structure involved in lipid synthesis (smooth) and protein synthesis (rough with ribosomes).

Neuron

Specialized cell of the nervous system responsible for transmitting information.

Dendrites

Parts of a neuron that receive information and are considered afferents.

Axon

Part of a neuron that delivers information and is considered efferent.

Myelin sheath

Insulating layer around axons that increases the speed of neurotransmission.

Axon hillock

Region of the axon where action potential originates; also known as the trigger zone.

Synapse

A close contact link between two neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released from synaptic vesicles across the synapse to communicate with the next neuron.

Anterograde transport

Forward transport of materials from the axon to the axon terminals; retrograde is backward transport.

Action potential

A rapid change in membrane potential that travels along the axon when triggered.

Reflex arc

Pathway that includes sensory neurons to motor neurons and vice versa, facilitating reflex actions.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce the myelin sheath in the Central Nervous System.

Saltatory conduction

Process that allows action potentials to jump between the nodes of Ranvier, increasing speed.

Multiple sclerosis

An autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin in the Central Nervous System.

Sodium-potassium pump

A mechanism that moves 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell, maintaining resting potential.

Threshold

The membrane potential that must be reached to trigger an action potential, typically -55 mV.

EPSP

Excitatory postsynaptic potential, which increases the likelihood of a neuron firing.

IPSP

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential, which decreases the likelihood of a neuron firing.

Ionotropic receptor

A type of receptor that allows ions to flow through upon binding with a neurotransmitter.

Metabotropic receptor

A receptor that activates a second messenger system when a neurotransmitter binds to it.

Limbic system

Brain regions involved in emotion, memory, and motivation, including the hippocampus and amygdala.

Critical period

A developmental stage when certain experiences are crucial for normal development.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experience.

Fetal alcohol syndrome

A condition resulting from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, causing various developmental issues.

Neural Darwinism

Theory suggesting we form more synaptic connections than needed, with successful connections being strengthened.

Teratogens

Toxic substances that can adversely affect brain development, including chemicals and drugs.

Collateral sprouting

The process by which neurons can form new connections after injury or damage.

Crystalline intelligence

The accumulation of facts and knowledge maintained throughout adulthood.

Fluid intelligence

The capacity to learn new information and adapt quickly, which tends to decline with age.

Edema

Swelling in the brain due to fluids increasing pressure, often resulting from injury.

Cooling the brain

A method used to reduce inflammation following brain injury.