Unit 2-Biopsychology and Nervous Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to biopsychology and the nervous system as discussed in class.

Central Nervous System

Composed of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body.

Spinal Cord

Physically bridges the brain to the body, allowing for reflex actions and communication between the brain and body.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls a reflex action, allowing the body to respond quickly to danger without conscious thought.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary body operations, such as circulation, respiration, and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for physical and emotional stress, triggering the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body after stress encounters, promoting relaxation and homeostasis.

Sensory Neurons

Transmits sensory information from receptors to the spinal cord and brain.

Motor Neurons

Transmits signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Specialized nerve cells within the brain and spinal cord that facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons.

Action Potential

The process of transmitting bioelectrical signals and neural impulses throughout the nervous system.

Neurotransmitters

Biochemical molecules released from one neuron that transmit signals to another neuron.

Dendrites

Tree-like fibers that receive signals from other neurons and relay them to the nucleus of the receiving neuron.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty layer that surrounds axons, protecting them and speeding up neural transmission.

Neuron

Basic building block of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that assist in nutrient replenishment, waste removal, and neural circuit maintenance.

Reuptake

The reabsorption of excess neurotransmitters by the presynaptic neuron after an action potential.

Reuptake Inhibitors

Chemical substances that block the reuptake process, enhancing the functionality of neurotransmitters.

Limbic System

Network of structures involved in emotional instincts and memory processing, including the amygdala and hippocampus.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, memory, and voluntary muscle movement.