Psychology Neurons and Neurotransmitters Quiz

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle actions, learning and memory. (High levels in Black Widow venom and low levels in Botox and Alzhiemer’s Disease patients)

Action Potential

ion exchange sweeps along the length of the axon triggering an electrical signal (chemical change in ions leads to polarity change which causes the electrical signal)

All or Nothing Principle

A signal either fires or doesn’t—no in between

Axon

Part of a neuron that connects input to outputs and carries electrical signals

Cell Body

Part of the neuron that contains the nucleus, which directs the manufacture of substances that the neuron needs for growth and maintenance

Dendrites

Part of neuron that receives information to send to the cell body

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in voluntary movements and reward anticipation. Receptors are activated by stimulant drugs. In Parkinson’s patients, levels are low. In schizophrenia patients, levels are high.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters known as natural opiates. Involved in feelings of pleasure and pain.

GABA

Neurotransmitter involved in calming. Low levels in anxiety patients

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances that carry information across the synaptic gap to the next neuron

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter involved in stress. High levels in manic patients, low levels in depressed patients. Regulates sleep in conjunction with ACh.

Oxytocin

Neurotransmitter and hormone that is related to attachment and emotional bonds. Involved in the onset of lactation in new moms.

Refractory period

A temporary delay in reaction time to a second stimulus quickly after a first stimulus

Resting Potential

Stable, negative charge of an inactive neuron

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of sleep, mood, attention and learning. Low levels in depressive patients, high levels in SSRI’s in order to counteract low levels in depression.

Synapse

Gap between dendrites of one neuron and axon terminals of another (where information is transferred from one neuron to another)

Terminal buttons

Where the signal leaves the neuron from. Output of a neuron (AKA Axon Terminals)

myelin sheath

Layer of fat cells that insulate the axon