PHS Bio-Psy Test Prep

Neuron

Basic unit of the nervous system that transmits signals.

Dendrite

Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

Long, thin structure that transmits signals away from the neuron.

Axon terminal

End part of an axon where neurotransmitters are released.

Action potential

Electrical impulse that travels down the axon.

Resting potential

The state of a neuron when it is not transmitting signals.

All-or-none principle/threshold

The principle that a neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Synapse

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.

Excitatory effect/Inhibitory effect

Effects that increase or decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter.

Agonist

A substance that enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and memory.

GABA

A neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission in the brain.

Central Nervous System

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

Part of the nervous system that connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that carry signals from sensory organs to the CNS.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS.

Motor neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Brainstem

Part of the brain that controls basic life functions.

Thalamus

Brain region that relays sensory information to the cortex.

Pons

Part of the brainstem that regulates sleep and arousal.

Reticular formation

Network of neurons that regulates wakefulness and sleep.

Medulla

Part of the brainstem that controls vital functions like heartbeat.

Cerebellum

Brain region that coordinates movement and balance.

Limbic system

Set of brain structures involved in emotion and memory.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that regulates homeostasis and hormonal functions.

Hippocampus

Brain structure involved in memory formation.

Amygdala

Brain structure involved in emotion regulation and response.

Pituitary gland

Master gland that regulates other endocrine glands.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions.

Corpus callosum

Bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.

Frontal lobes

Brain regions involved in reasoning, planning, and movement.

Parietal lobes

Brain regions that process sensory information and spatial awareness.

Occipital lobes

Brain regions responsible for visual processing.

Temporal lobes

Brain regions involved in auditory processing and memory.

Motor cortex

Brain region that controls voluntary movements.

Sensory motor

Integration of sensory and motor functions.

Auditory/Visual cortex

Brain regions responsible for processing auditory and visual information.

Associated function

Functions that are linked to specific brain regions.

Split-brain research/Roger Sperry

Studies on the effects of severing the corpus callosum.