CED Unit 1 (The Neuron & Neural Firing) Flashcards
Neurons
A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system
Glial cells
Non-neuronal cells that support the function of neurons in the brain and spinal cord
Reflex arc
A neural pathway that facilitates a rapid, involuntary response to a stimulus
Sensory neurons
The nerves responsible for sensing a stimulus
Motor neurons
Efferent neurons, transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles, results in movement
Interneurons
A type of neuron that connect other neurons within the central nervous system
Neural transmission
Occurs when a neuron is activated
Action potential
When the neuron is firing, or ready to fire
All-or-nothing principle
An action potential either occurs fully, or not at all
Depolarization
When a neuron is stimulated, it becomes less negative (more positive) inside
Refractory period
A brief period where the neuron cannot fire again
Resting potential
When the neuron is resting before the action potential
Reuptake
Neurotransmitter molecules being reabsorbed by the neuron after signaling
Threshold
The minimum level of electrical charge (depolarization) needed for the neuron to fire
Multiple sclerosis
When the immune system attacks the myelin sheath
Myasthenia gravis
The body’s immune system attacks the neuromuscular junction, where nerves and muscles communicate
Excitatory neurotransmitters
Chemicals that increase the likelihood a neuron will fire
Inhibitory neurotransmitters
Chemicals that decrease the likelihood a neuron will fire
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter, reward center, mood
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter, regulates mood, sleep, appetite
Norepinephrine
Neurotransmitter, fight or flight response, regulates arousal, attention
Glutamate
Main excitatory neurotransmitter, learning, memory
GABA
Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, reduces neuronal excitability, helps regulate sleep, movement, and mood
Endorphins
Neurotransmitter, painkillers and pleasure
