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PSYC 101 > 3) Nerve Cells & Communication > Flashcards

3) Nerve Cells & Communication Flashcards

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1
Q

Name the type of cells in the nervous system

A

Nerve cells
- Sensory
- Motor
- Interneuron

Glial cells
- Astrocytes
- Oligodendrocyte

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2
Q

Neuron

A
  • Nerve cell specialized for communication
  • Differ in shape and size depending on function and location
  • Contains genetic material like other cells
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3
Q

What are the parts to a neuron?

A

Dendrites - receives signals
Axons - sends signals

Soma
- Cell body
- Central region that manufactures and renews cell components / molecules
- Contains nucleus where proteins are made

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4
Q

How does a neuron differ from other cells?

A
  • Has electrified membrane that enables exchange of electrical & chemical signals
  • Are not easily replaceable or interchangeable
  • Each neuron acquires unique functions and connections based on experiences
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5
Q

What are glial cells?

A

Plays a role in the formation of myelin and the blood-brain barrier
“Glue”
Protects neurons
Responds to injury
Removes debris
Facilitates communication among neurons
Enhances learning and memory

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6
Q

Astrocyte

A
  • The most abundant glial cell, especially in blood-brain barrier
  • Communicate with neurons, increase accuracy of transmission
  • Help control blood flow in brain
  • Vital role in development of embryo
  • Involved in thought, memory, immune system
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7
Q

Which glial cell plays a crucial role in the blood brain barrier?

A

astrocytes

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8
Q

What is the blood-brain barrier?

A

Protective shield of blood vessels that insulate brain from infection/intruders
Lots of astrocytes
Security system of brain, ensures that our knowledge, thoughts, & abilities remain intact

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9
Q

Oligodendrocyte

A

Type of glial cell that produces myelin sheath in brain and spinal cord (CNS)
Promotes new connections among nerve cells
Releases chemicals that help healing

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10
Q

which glial cell produces the myelin sheath?

A

oligodendrocyte

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11
Q

which glial cell plays a vital role in the development of embryo, and helps control blood flow in the brain?

A

astrocyte

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12
Q

which glial cell promotes new connections and helps with healing?

A

oligodendrocyte

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13
Q

what is the name of the most abundant glial cell?

A

astrocyte

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14
Q

myelin sheath

A

Glial cells wrapped around axons that act as insulators of neuron’s signal
Speeds up transmission of electrical signals down the length of axon
Gaps called nodes that allow signal to jump along

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15
Q

Sclerosis

A

Degrading myelin sheath, so signals and messages can’t travel reliably
Results in symptoms like coordination problems

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16
Q

What are the two ways that neurons communicate?

A
  1. action potential
    - within cell process, electrical
  2. synapse
    - between cell process, chemical
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17
Q

what is the electrical communication in neurons?

A

action potential transmit info WITHIN neurons
Neurons respond to neurotransmitters by generating electrical activity

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18
Q

What is the basis of all electrical responses / action potentials in neurons?

A

uneven distribution of charged particles across neuron membrane

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19
Q

what is the neuron membrane & what is on either side?

A

impermeable membrane with channels for ions to move thru

Outside: lots of Na
Inside: lots of K

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20
Q

what is membrane potential?

A

diff in charge between inside & outside cell
(inside minus outside)

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21
Q

Resting potential

A

No NTs acting on neuron, not stimulated
Electrical charge difference (-70mV) across neuronal membrane
There are more negative particles inside of neuron than outside

Outside cell = extracellular = 110mV
Inside cell = intracellular = 40 mV

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22
Q

Explain the concept of concentration gradient

A

ions move from high concentration to low concentration until balanced

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23
Q

Threshold of excitation

A

membrane potential or level of depolarization necessary to trigger an action potential

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23
Q

Threshold of excitation

A

membrane potential or level of depolarization necessary to trigger an action potential

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24
Action potential & when it occurs
Wave of electrical impulse/signal that travels down the axon to synapse, triggers the release of NTs Happens when charge inside neuron reaches high enough level relative to outside Massive, momentary reversal of membrane from -70mV to +50mV “All or none” response
25
what is the universal language of neurons in all animals? aka how neurons communicate?
action potential
26
How does the action potential work?
Originate in trigger zone near cell body Positive particles flow into and out of axon quickly Inside charge end up at slightly more negative than resting value Shifts in charge produce a release of electricity Triggers release of NTs when it reaches axon terminal
27
What are the 5 phases of the action potential?
1. Resting state 2. Depolarization 3. Rising phase 4. Falling phase 5. Undershoot or Refractory period
28
Which gates are open in resting state of the action potential?
Na closed K closed Inside -, outside +
29
Which gates are open in depolarization state of the action potential?
Na opens a bit, enters so that cell is less polar (less charged, becoming more positive) K closed Inside -, outside +
30
Which gates are open in rising state of the action potential?
Na open more, rushes in cuz concentration gradient (less Na on inside) K still closed Inside +, outside -
31
Which gates are open in falling state of the action potential?
Na closed K open, leaving to outside (cuz less K outside and lots of + charge on inside) Inside -, outside +
32
Which gates are open in undershoot or refractory period of the action potential?
Na closed K open, still leaving Inside -, outside + Membrane is hyperpolarized, can’t fire again during this point
33
Absolute refractory period
Brief time during which another action potential is impossible Limits the maximal firing rate Action potential can only happen once the membrane has reset to resting potential More limiting on long axons
34
Unmyelinated vs myelinated transmission
unmyelinated: slower since action potentials along entire axon myelinated: faster cuz less action potentials happening, only at nodes
35
oligodendrocyte vs schwann cells
oligo myelinate CNS Schwann myelinated PNS
36
neurotransmission
chemical communication of info AMONG neurons NTs bind with receptor sites on dendrites after release into synapse Lock and Key!
37
describe the lock and key analogy
in neurotransmission, receptor sites (lock) recognize specific types of NT (key)
38
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers specialized for communication between neurons Either excite or inhibit postsynaptic neuron Specific types often found in specific “pathways” or regions of brain
39
What does exciting/inhibiting a neutron mean?
Increase or decrease likelihood of firing action potential
40
Concentration of NT is controlled by what 3 things?
1. Autoreceptors 2. Reuptake 3. Degrading enzymes
41
Autoreceptors
when too high concentration of NT, this binds to presynaptic cell to signal it to stop releasing the NT
42
Reuptake
recycling mechanism of NTs, a continually occurring process where pre synaptic vesicle reabsorb NTs
43
Degrading enzymes
enzymes that are released into synapse to break down NTs, regulating NT concentration
44
Glutamate
Excitatory NT Enhanced learning and memory Relay sensory info ex/ MSG in food
45
What are the two most common neurotransmitters in the CNS?
Glutamate and GABA
46
Schizophrenia is caused by too much of what NT?
glutamate, toxic to receptors
47
GABA
Inhibitory NT Learning, Memory, Sleep
48
Anti anxiety drugs would bind to what NT receptors?
GABA
49
Drugs target what NT to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression, or epilepsy?
GABA
50
Acetylcholine
Can inhibit or excite depending on where it’s released Arousal, attention, memory, sleep Alzheimer’s: neurons with this NT are slowly destroyed = memory loss
51
Those with Alzheimer's do not have enough of which NT?
acetylcholine
52
Acetylcholine plays what role in the PNS?
Voluntary muscle control Internal organs
53
Acetylcholine plays what role in the brain?
Regulation of attention / arousal Learning & Memory Sleep & dreaming
54
Dopamine
NT that regulates motivation & pleasure Emotional arousal Motor behavior
55
which NT plays a large role in addictions like gambling?
dopamine
55
which NT plays a large role in addictions like gambling?
dopamine
56
serotonin
NT that regulates sleep & wakefulness Appetite, social behavior, sexual desire
57
Norepinephrine
NT involved in states of heightened awareness of dangers in envo Increases alertness, arousal, attention
58
which two NT regulate mood, sleep, and memory?
serotonin and norepinephrine
59
endorphins
Naturally occurring pain killer Acts within - pain pathways to reduce pain - emotional centers of brain to elevate mood
60
EPSP
Excitatory Post Synaptic Potential Depolarize postsynaptic membrane Increase likelihood that postsynaptic neuron will fire Ex/ from -70mV to -67mV
61
IPSP
Inhibitory Post Synaptic Potential Hyperpolarize postsynaptic membrane Decreases likelihood that postsynaptic neuron will fire Ex/ from -70 to -73mV
62
an action potential can be generated by simultaneous _____
EPSPs
63
synaptic vesicles
Spherical sac containing neurotransmitters Amount of neurotransmitters is regulated by the cell
64
synapse
Space between two connecting neurons where messages are transmitted chemically Consists of synaptic cleft
65
synaptic cleft
Gap into which neurotransmitters are released from axon terminal Axon doesn’t actually touch dendrites
66
Receptor Site
Location that uniquely recognizes a NT
67
Psychoactive Drugs
Interact with neurotransmitter systems, affecting mood, thinking, arousal, behavior, etc
68
most drugs impact some aspect of ____ in the following ways _____
neurotransmission - impact receptor binding - influence concentration of NT in cleft
69
agonists vs antagonists
agonists increase or mimic effect of NT (opiates) antagonist block effect of NT (botox)
70
Neural Plasticity
Ability of nervous system to change over time, continually! ex/ response to damage Abilities like language, jealousy, morality, aren’t fixed or predetermined
71
What is our super power, as humans?
adaptability!
72
Development is most flexible during ____
early development
73
Our brains don't mature fully until?
early adulthood
74
4 main ways of brain development
1. growth of dendrites & axon 2. synaptogenesis 3. pruning 4. myelination
75
Pruning
Death of some neurons or retraction of axons to remove unuseful connections Organizes neurons, which enhance communication (process info more efficiently with fewer neurons)
76
In the brain, learning results in the formation of what?
new synapses and more connections - the brain changes as we learn
77
Potentiation
strengthening existing connections
78
What are the two ways we learn?
potentiation and forming new connections
79
Structural plasticity
changing shape of neurons is critical for learning ex/ more dendrites when exposed to richer envo
80
Neurogenesis
Creation of new neurons in adult brain Importance: can possibly induce nervous system to heal itself even in adulthood Controversial, first found in animals - potentially involved in learning
81
stem cells
have capacity to differentiate into more specialized cell, but becomes permanent after choosing a direction (muscle, blood, neuron)
82
What type of cell is important in treating diseases, such as gene therapy?
stem cells can replace damaged cells gene therapy = providing replacement genes
83
controversy of embryonic stem cell research
potential for treating serious diseases (cancer, alzheimers) VS they are a early form of human life

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