Psych 100: The Brain and Nervous System

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture about the brain and nervous system.

Neuron

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses.

Dendrites

Branching parts of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

Neuron

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses.

Dendrites

Branching parts of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

Axon

A long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Synapse

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Myelin sheath

A fatty layer that surrounds axons to insulate them and increase the speed of signal transmission.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

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

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that carry signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.

Motor neurons

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

Interneurons

Neurons that connect other neurons within the central nervous system.

Action potential

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

Excitatory neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that makes a neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Inhibitory neurotransmitter

A neurotransmitter that makes a neuron less likely to fire an action potential.

Glial cells

Support cells in the nervous system that provide nutrition and structural support to neurons.

Astrocytes

A type of glial cell that provides support and nutrition to neurons and maintains the blood-brain barrier.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce myelin sheath in the central nervous system.

Electrochemical signaling

The process by which neurons communicate through electrical impulses and neurotransmitter release.

Graded potential

A change in the membrane potential that is not large enough to trigger an action potential.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers transmitted across the synapse from one neuron to another.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motor control.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.

Glutamate

An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

Sympathetic nervous system

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

Parasympathetic nervous system

The part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes resting and digesting.

Reflex arc

The neural pathway that controls a reflex action.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A neuroimaging technique used to visualize internal structures of the body, including the brain.

fMRI (Functional MRI)

A technique for measuring brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.