AP Psych Unit 1 #1-6

Cell Body

Cell Body

The headquarters and life support center of the neuron.

Dendrites

Structures that receive messages from other cells.

Axon

A long arm that passes messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin Sheath

A covering that speeds up neural impulses along the axon of some neurons.

Terminal Button

The end of the axon that emits neurotransmitters.

Synaptic Gap

The tiny space between two neurons where neurotransmitters flow to communicate.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released by the axon/terminal button across the synaptic gap towards nearby neurons' dendrites.

Reuptake

The process of reabsorbing excess neurotransmitters by the terminal; blocking it increases neurotransmitters in the synapse.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells that assist neurons.

Resting Potential

The state of a neuron when there is no message, characterized as polarized.

Action Potential

The state of a neuron when a message arrives, characterized as depolarized.

P.O.N.I.

Acronym for Positive outside, negative inside, indicating a polarized state of the neuron.

Excitatory Neurons

Neurons that promote action or excitement.

Inhibitory Neurons

Neurons that slow down or inhibit action.

Acetylcholine (ACH)

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, learning, and memory; low levels are linked to Alzheimer's.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that can be excitatory or inhibitory, associated with pleasure and reward; high levels are linked to schizophrenia, while low levels are linked to Parkinson's and ADHD.

Serotonin

An inhibitory neurotransmitter related to feelings of joy; low levels are associated with clinical depression.

Norepinephrine

An excitatory neurotransmitter that promotes alertness; low levels are linked to depression.

GABA

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter; low levels are associated with anxiety and seizures.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter connected to memory; high levels can cause headaches and overstimulation.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that create a feeling of euphoria, especially after physical activity; associated with pain tolerance.

Agonist

A substance that mimics a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks neurotransmitter receptors.

Phrenology

The study of the shape and size of the cranium as an indication of character and mental abilities.

Gall

The founder of phrenology.

Lesion

The purposeful injury of the brain to study its functions.

Phineas Gage

A historical case study of a man who experienced a brain injury that changed his behavior, leading to research on the frontal lobe.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A test that detects brain waves, commonly used in sleep studies.

CT/CAT Scan

A series of x-ray photos used to identify specific brain issues.

MRI Scan

A scan that uses magnets to detect active brain areas through blood flow.

PET Scan

A scan that shows where radioactive glucose travels in active brain areas.

fMRI

A scan that detects both the structure and function of the brain.

MEG Scan

A magnetic scan that determines the order of brain activity.