AP Psychology 1.3: The Neuron and Neural Firing Flashcards
(34 cards)
What are glial cells?
Cells that provide structure, insulation, communication, and waste transportation in the nervous system
Glial cells support neurons and are the most abundant cells in the nervous system
What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?
Neurons
Neurons communicate using electrical impulses and chemical signals
What is a reflex arc?
A nerve pathway that allows the body to respond to a stimulus without thinking
It involves sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons
What are sensory neurons also known as?
Afferent neurons
What are motor neurons also known as?
Efferent neurons
What happens when you touch something hot?
The sensory neurons send a signal to the spinal cord, which then activates motor neurons to pull the hand away
This is an example of a reflex arc in action
What triggers an action potential in a neuron?
Sufficient stimulation that meets the threshold
An action potential is when a neuron fires and sends an impulse down the axon
What is resting potential?
The state when a neuron has more negative ions inside than outside
This occurs when the neuron is not sending a signal
What is depolarization?
The process that occurs when a neuron becomes positively charged enough to trigger an action potential
What is the refractory period?
The time period when a neuron cannot fire and needs to return to resting potential
This occurs after an action potential
What is the synapse?
The small pocket of space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical messengers that send messages through the nervous system
What is reuptake?
The process of reabsorbing excess neurotransmitters left in the synaptic gap
What do excitatory neurotransmitters do?
Increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential
What do inhibitory neurotransmitters do?
Decrease the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential
This may lead to hyperpolarization
What is the role of acetylcholine?
Enables muscle action, learning, and memory
What does dopamine help with?
Movement, learning, attention, and emotions
What does serotonin impact?
Hunger, sleep, arousal, and mood
What is the role of endorphins?
Help with pain control and impact pain tolerance
What is the function of norepinephrine?
Increases blood pressure, heart rate, and alertness
What does GABA help with?
Sleep, movement, and slowing down the nervous system
What is the endocrine system?
A system that sends hormones throughout the body’s blood to regulate biological processes
What is the function of adrenaline (epinephrine)?
Helps with the body’s response to high emotional situations and expands air passages in the lungs
What is the function of leptin?
Regulates energy balance by inhibiting hunger
