psych flashcards for tmr (quiz 4/5? neurons + drugs)

neuron

basic unit of the nervous system

100-200 billion in the brain, which communicate with thousands of others

½ weight of the brain is neurons

gliacells

GLIA = GLUE

Supplies support and transports nutrients to the brain

½ volume of the brain; necessary for communication

agonist

connect synaphe gap, communication will occur, think protagonist

antagonist

block communication inside the synaptic gap (antagonist)

peripheral nervous system

consist of our sensory receptors, our muscles and glands (1 of 2 parts)

somatic nervous system

voluntary

autonomic

runs on its own (auto = robotic) 2 parts

sympathetic response

activates and exerts energy (ups the system) (“fight”)

parasympathetic

kicks in when the “crisis” is over (calms you down) (brings the system back down)

central nervous system

consists of your brain and spinal cord- 400 trillion synapses that “talk” to one anther in the brain

resting potential

potential energy waiting to be released; not sending info out, sending electrical impulses/energy

semi-permeable membrane allows ions to go back and forth; charge is between inside and outside of the cell

sodium

has a + charge, can’t easily cross the semi-permeable membrane

potassium

also a + charge, crosses back and forth from inside/outside of the membrane w/ the sodium potassium pump

protein

has a - charge (sodium on outside attached to it; trapped on the inside)

cell body

cell life support center

dendrites

receive messages from other cells

terminal branches of axon

form junctions/connections with other cells

axon

passes messages away from the cell body to the other neurons, muscles, glands

myelin sheath

cover the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses (mario kart speed boost)

neural impulses

electrical signals travel down the axon’s highway

action potential

membrane can break down once the threshold is reached, sodium then comes rushing in, causing electrochemical energy (info) to move down the membrane/axon (like dominos in a way)

all or nothing response

threshold it at firing point; more does not matter or affect intensity/speed; fires or it doesn’t, all or nothing, 0 or 100, P or F

depolarization

rapid riase in potential (all or nothing response)

repolarization

the subsequent return to resting potential after depolarization

refractory period

neurons are unable to generate another “spike” instantly; transitory changes make it harder for axons to produce subsequent action potentials during this interval

neurotransmitters

Synapses are bridged by chemicals; the chemical energy unit that goes from one neuron to another; hang out in the synaptic gap vesicle; waiting for impulse then released into the synapse and the receptor of the dendrite of the next neuron.

inhibitory/excitatory

neurotransmitters can either “excite” or “inhibit” the neuron towards its firing point

excitatory neurotransmitters

norepinephrine, glutamate, substance P

inhibitory neurotransmitters

GABA, serotonin

excitatory and inhibitory

acetycholine, depoamine

endorphins

body’s own natural morphine (painkiller); gets released: exercise, acupuncture, electrical stimulation

endocrine system

glands that secrete hormones, travel longer distances than other transmitters, travel slower than other neurotransmitters

horomones

chemical messages are produced in one part of the body (glands); travel in the bloodstream and afrect other parts of your body (growth, s*x (knowt censored me), mood, stress, reactions)

5 important horomones

adrenaline, leptin, ghrelin, melatonin, oxytocin

adrenaline

released in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate processing; preparing the muscle for exertion

leptin

an appetite suppressant

ghrelin

hunger hormone produced in the stomach; levels prior to eating

melatonin

plays a role in sleep and helps w/ timing of circadian rhythm

oxytocin

manages key aspects of the reproductive system “LOVE” horomone

pituitary gland

master gland; pea sized in center of the rain; work w/ hypothalamus; allows nerous systems and endocrine systems to work together

hypothalamus

just above the pituitary gland; controls behavior such as aggression, s*x, eating, drinking; pleasure center of the brain; regulated by the endocrine system

psychological dependence

a compelling craving for the substance; exhibit inability to discontinue its use

physical dependence

marked by tolerance to substances & withdrawal symptoms when usage stops

tolerance

increasing amounts of the drug are necessary to achieve desired intoxication level

withdrawl

physically distressing symptoms that follow the cessation of regular use of a certain drug

• actual withdrawal symptoms varies drug to drug

• anxiety-like & flu-like symptoms are common

2 main types of drugs

stimulants and depressants

depressants

“downers”, slows the body down; alcohol, barbiturates, opiates

alcohol

lowers inhibitions, slows processing speeds, disrupts memory; impairs judgment, cuts off self-awareness and self-control; correlates with risky behaviors; impacted by personal experiences

barbiturates

produces the same effect as alcohol; larger dose = larger consequence

opiates

drugs derived from opium; examples: morphine, codeine, heroin, ketamine

these leave a person craving more, but as tolerance gets higher it take more of the substance to achieve the same effect

*highly addictive*

stimulants

uppers: speed the body up

methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, nicotine, caffeine

methamphetamine

meth, T, tina, crystal meth, parTy

released dopaine (which improves mood); reacts and produces instantaneous change; can permanently drop levels of dopamine production, causing people to get addicted

MDMA

ecstasy, “g”

take an hour to kick in; lasts 3-4 hrs; side effects: dehydration, overheating, death

dopamine + serotonin

cocaine

crack, coke

fast, short high followed by depression (coke blues); rush of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine

nicotine

smoking cigs, vaping, chews, jewels

takes 7 secs to kick in; work w/ norepinephrine and epinepherine

caffeine

energy drinks, coffee, and soda; most common psychoactive drug; lasts 3-4 hours, tolerance is based on the individual

hallucinogens

perception w/out sensory input; extra sensations in the body to occur

LSD, marijuana

LSD

acid, lucy, tabs

Powerful psychoactive drug; altered sense of time and space; heightened sense of euphoria linked to risks of anxiety and flashbacks

marijuana

pot, joint, sometimes in vapes

activated by THC; increases sight, sound, and other bodily perceptions; linger in body or system for up to 30 days; potentially, addicting and permanent cognitive impairment if abused in adolescents