AP Psychology - Unit 1b

Dendrites

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron that contains the nucleus and cellular organelles.

Axon

A long, thin structure that transmits electrical impulses away from the soma.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons and maintain homeostasis.

Myelin

A fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up the transmission of impulses.

Nerves

Bundles of axons that transmit information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

Axon terminal

The endpoint of an axon where neurotransmitters are released.

Synaptic Vesicles

Small membrane-bound structures that contain neurotransmitters.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Receptor Sites

Locations on a neuron’s surface that bind to neurotransmitters.

Axon Buttons

Tiny structures at the ends of axon terminals that release neurotransmitters.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Resting Potential

The electrical charge across a neuron's membrane when it is not firing.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane.

Refractory Period

A short recovery phase after an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire again.

Ions – Potassium, Sodium

Charged particles that play crucial roles in generating action potentials.

Excitatory synapse

A synapse that increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

Inhibitory synapse

A synapse that decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

Antagonists

Substances that block or reduce the action of neurotransmitters.

Agonist

Substances that enhance or mimic the action of neurotransmitters.

Acetylcholine (ACH)

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle activation and memory.

Curare

A poison that acts as an antagonist to acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep.

Glutamate

The major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

GABA

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Neuropeptide

Small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that reduce the perception of pain and produce feelings of pleasure.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron after being released.

SSRI

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a class of drugs used to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that regulate various functions in the body.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland that regulates other endocrine glands and hormone production.

Pineal Gland

A gland that produces melatonin, regulating sleep-wake cycles.

Thyroid Gland

A gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

Pancreas

An organ that produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

Gonads

The reproductive glands (ovaries in females, testes in males) that produce sex hormones.

Ovaries/Testes

The female and male gonads responsible for producing gametes and hormones.

Adrenal Gland

Glands that produce hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in response to stress.

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Sensory Neurons (Afferent)

Neurons that carry sensory information to the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons (Efferent)

Neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles.

Interneuron

A neuron that transmits impulses between other neurons within the CNS.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements.

Sensory Pathway

The route taken by sensory information to reach the central nervous system.

Motor Pathway

The route taken by motor commands from the CNS to muscles.

Autonomic Nervous system

The part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that activates the fight-or-flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that promotes rest and digest responses.