Chapter 4 Flashcards
(27 cards)
Chemical messengers released into the blood by glands
Hormones
Relating to the brain, spinal cord, neurons, and their associated elements
Nervous system
Relating to hormones, their functions, and sources
Endocrine system
Maintenance of internal stability; often biochemical in nature
Homeostasis
Specialized nerve cells that make up the nervous system and release neurotransmitters
Neurons
Supporting cells that are critical for protecting and providing sustenance to the neurons
Glia
Extension of the neuronal cell body along which electrochemical signals travel
Axon
Special proteins in a membrane that are activated by natural substances or drugs to alter cell function
Receptors
Receptors activated by opioid narcotic drugs such as heroin and morphine
Opiate receptors
Neurotransmitters that have narcotic-like effects
Endorphins
Biological target of tetrahydrocannabinol in marijuana
Cannabinoid system
Naturally occurring fatty-acid neurotransmitter that selectively activates cannabinoid receptors
Anandamide
Type of substance that activates a receptor
Agonistic
Type of substance that blocks a receptor
Antagonistic
Receptor type activated by acetylcholine (ACh); usually inhibitory
Muscarinic
Receptor type activated by acetylcholine (ACh); usually excitatory
Nicotinic
Class of biochemical compounds, including the transmitters norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine
Catecholamines
Agents that mimic the effects of norepinephrine or epinephrine
Sympathomimetic
One of the major divisions of the nervous system; composed of the brain and spinal cord
Central nervous system (CNS)
Includes the neurons outside the CNS
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Agents that antagonize the effects of acetylcholine
Anticholinergic
Part of the CNS limbic system and a critical brain region for reward systems
Nucleus accumbens
Cortical region essential for information processing and decision making
Frontal cortex
Controls the unconscious functions of the body
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
