intro to psych chapter 2

Neuron

A specialized cell of the nervous system that receives and transmits messages

Dendrites

Rootlike structures, attached to the body cell of the neuron, that receive impulses, or incoming messages, from other neurons

Axon

A long, thin part of a neuron that transmits impulses to other neurons from bulb-shaped structure called axon terminals or terminal buttons

Myelin

A fatty substance that encases and insulates axon, facilitating transmission of neural impulses

Synapse

A junction between the axon terminals of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another neuron

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances involved in the transmission of neural impulses from one neuron to another

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that affects the ability to perceive pleasure, voluntary moment, and learning and memory; it is involved in Parkinson’s disease and appears to play a role in schizophrenia

Serotonin

a neurotransmitter involved in emotional arousal and sleep; deficiencies of serotonin have been linked to eating disorders, alcoholism, depression, aggression, and insomnia

Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord

Cerebral cortex

The wrinkled surface area (gray matter) of the cerebrum