Psych - Neurons, Neurotransmitters, Endocrine System

Neuron Types

Sensory, Motor and Interneurons

Sensory Neurons

Carry messages from receptors to spinal cord and brain

Motor Neurons

Carry signals from brain and spinal cord to muscles, skins, and glands

Hormones

Secreted by endocrine glands into blood stream

Hypothalamus

Controls pituitary gland, and endocrine system,

Pituitary Gland

the master gland of the endocrine system

Adrenal Glands

Important in mood, energy level and stress response.
Produce Epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol

Pineal Glands

regulates circadian rhythm
produces melatonin
involved in sleep cycle

Neurotransmitters

chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons

Acetylcholine

Involved in muscle action, learning and memory

Endorphins

Reduce pain and promote pleasure

Dopamine

Involved in smooth movement, reward, learning and memory

Seratonin

Involved in sleep, appetite and mood

Glutamate

strictly excitatory - learning and memory enhancement

GABA

inhibitory - calms

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Involved in stress response

Agonist

Drug that increases normal activity of a neurotransmitter by making more, mimicking or inhibiting reuptake

Antagonist

Drug that decreases activity of neurotransmitter by blocking receptor, or decrease its production

Neurons

Specialized cell that transmit neural messages to the neurons, glands and muscles

Dendrite

Receives neural messages from other neurons
Delivers message to rest of neuron
At top (hair-like structure)

Cell Body (Soma)

Houses DNA (center)

Axon

thin tube that transmits messages
Axon --> (away)

Glial Cells (glia)

Holds neuron in place
"Packing peanuts for neurons)
Can form myelin sheath, or blood-brain barrier.

Action Potential

Electrical signal within neuron that activates communication by releasing neurotransmitters

Threshold

Level of electric charge or stimulation needed to enable action potential

All-or-none response

Either action potential occurs or it does not. (No levels or strengths)

Synapse

Small space between two neurons through which messages are transmitted. Builds/Gets stronger when you study

Reuptake

The sending neuron reabsorbs excess neurotransmitters after message has been completely passed to receiving neuron

Excitatory Signals

Increase likelihood that neuron will fire

Inhibitory Signals

Decrease likelihood that neuron will fire, preventing release of neurotransmitters.