Module 1.3 & 1.4: The Neuron, Neural Firing, and Tools of Discovery

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering neural structure, the steps and mechanics of action potentials, neurotransmitters, psychoactive drug classifications, and brain scanning techniques.

Computed tomography scan (CT)

Brain scanning technique used to locate brain damage.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Brain scanning technique used to obtain an image of the brain's structure.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Brain scanning technique used to obtain recordings of brain waves of electrical activity when doing tasks.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Brain scanning technique used to observe what brain areas are activated during tasks.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Brain scanning technique used to understand what brain regions are involved in specific tasks.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Brain scanning technique used to understand how tasks influence brain activity.

Depressants

A class of psychoactive drugs that includes alcohol, opioids, and barbiturates.

Stimulants

A class of psychoactive drugs that includes cocaine, nicotine, and methamphetamine.

Hallucinogens

A class of psychoactive drugs that includes LSD, ayahuasca, and psilocybin.

Neuron

Basic building block of the nervous system.

Cell body

The cell's life support center.

Dendrites

Structures that receive messages from other cells, receive neural messages, and send impulses to the cell body.

Axon

Extension of a neuron that passes messages through its branches to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin sheath

A fatty tissue layer encasing the axon of some neurons that helps speed neural impulses.

Terminal branches

Structures of the axon that form junctions with other cells.

Glial cell

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Threshold

The level of physical stimulation required to trigger an impulse.

Action potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.

Resting potential

The electrical state where an axon's interior has a mostly negative charge.

All-or-none response

Neural reaction of either firing or not firing.

Refractory period

A period of inactivity after a neuron fires.

Synapse

The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrites of the receiving neuron.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap between neurons.

Reuptake

Reabsorption of the neurotransmitter by the sending neuron.

Agonist

Molecule similar to a neurotransmitter that triggers the response of this neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

Molecule similar to a neurotransmitter that binds to a receptor and inhibits or prevents the response of this neurotransmitter.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter that helps control alertness and arousal.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal.

Glutamate

A major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter that influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion.

Substance P

Neurotransmitter involved in pain perception and immune response.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitter that influences the perception of pain or pleasure.

GABA

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter that enables muscle action, learning, and memory.