AP Psych Neurons

Neural Network

Group of neurons working together to combine and store information

Sensory Neurons (Afferent)

Carry messages from body tissues and sensory organs to brain/spinal cord

Motor Neurons (Efferent)

Carry instructions from brain/spinal cord to body tissues

Interneurons

Process information between sensory input and motor output in brain/spinal cord

Soma (Cell Body)

Receives messages and sends them down the axon

Axon

Fiber that carries information away from cell body (“speaks”)

Dendrites

Branchlike extensions that receive messages from other neurons (“listen”)

Terminal Buttons

Located at axon’s end; release neurotransmitters

Myelin Sheath

Fatty coating on axon; speeds up nerve impulses

Synapse

Microscopic gap between neurons where messages are passed

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that influence neuron activity and cross the synapse

Reuptake

Process where sending neuron reabsorbs excess neurotransmitters

Reuptake Inhibitor

Medication that blocks reuptake, regulating neurotransmitter levels (ex

Resting Potential

Electrical charge of an inactive neuron

Threshold

Trigger point needed for a neuron to fire

Action Potential

When a neuron fires; the actual nerve impulse

All-or-Nothing Principle

A neuron either fires completely or not at all