Unit 1 Topic 1.3 - The Neuron and Neural Firing

Question 1

Neurons

Answer 1

Nerve cells that transmit information throughout the body using electrical and chemical signals

Question 2

Glial Cells

Answer 2

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide insulation, nutrients, and remove waste from neurons

Question 3

Reflex Arc

Answer 3

A simple, automatic response to sensory stimuli processed in the spinal cord
Ex: a knee-jerk reaction

Question 4

Sensory Neurons

Answer 4

Carry information from the senses to the brain and spinal cord

Question 5

Motor Neurons

Answer 5

Carry commands from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles

Question 6

Interneurons

Answer 6

Connect SENSORY and MOTOR neurons and process information in the spinal cord

Question 7

All-or-Nothing Principle

Answer 7

A neurons either fires completey or not at all; there is no in-between

Question 8

Depolarization

Answer 8

The change in a neuron’s electrical charge that starts an action potential (NEURAL IMPULSE)

Question 9

Refractory Period

Answer 9

The brief time after a neuron fires when it can’t fire again until it resets

Question 10

Resting Potential

Answer 10

The state of a neuron when it’s not firing but it is ready to fire

Question 11

Resting Potential

Answer 11

The state of a neuron when it’s not firing but it is ready to

Question 12

Reuptake

Answer 12

The process of NEUROTRANSMITTERS being absorbed back into the neuron after sending a message

Question 13

Threshold

Answer 13

The level of stimulation needed to trigger a NEURAL IMPULSE

Question 14

Neurotransmitters

They can be:

Answer 14

Chemical messengers that carry signals between neurons.

Excitatory - INCREASE the chance of neuron firing
Inhibitory - DECREASE the chance of neuron firing

Question 15

Dopamine

Answer 15

The brain’s reward system, gives you feelings of pleasure, influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion

Question 16

Serotonin

Answer 16

Affects mood, hunger, sleep and arousal

Question 17

Norepinephrine

Answer 17

Helps control alertness and arousal

Question 18

Glutamate

Answer 18

Major excitatory neurotransmitter, involved in memory

Question 19

GABA

Answer 19

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter, calming the nervous system

Question 20

Endorphins

Answer 20

Reduce plain and boosts pleasure
Ex: exercising releases endorphins

Question 21

Substance P

Answer 21

Involved in pain perception

Question 22

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Answer 22

Involved in muscle movement, memory, and learning

Question 23

Hormones

Answer 23

Chemical messengers released by glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other parts of the body

Question 24

Adrenaline

Answer 24

Triggers “FIGHT OR FLIGHT” response

Question 25

Leptin

Answer 25

Helps regulate hunger and energy balance

Question 26

Ghrelin

Answer 26

Stimulates Hunger

Question 27

Melatonin

Answer 27

Regulates sleep-wake cycles

Question 28

Oxytocin

Answer 28

Plays a role in bonding, love and trust

Question 29

Psychoactive Drugs

Answer 29

Substances that alter mood, perception or behvaior by affecting the nervous system

Question 30

Stimulants

Answer 30

INCREASE neural activity or energy levels Ex: cocaine or caffeine (people drink coffee to wake up)

Question 31

Depressants

Answer 31

DECREASE neural activity and slow body functions Ex: Alcohol

Question 32

Hallucinogens

Answer 32

Distort perceptions and create sensory experiences without stimuli Ex: marijuana

Question 33

Opioids

Answer 33

Reduce pain and can create feelings of euphoria Ex: heroin

Question 34

Agonists

Answer 34

Drugs that mimic or enhance neurotransmitter action (boosts neural firing)

Question 34

Antagonists

Answer 34

Drugs that block neurotransmitters (reduce or stop neural firing)

Question 35

Reuptake Inhibitors

Answer 35

Drugs that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, leaving more in the synapse to be active

Question 36

Tolerance

Answer 36

When more of a drug is needed to achieve the same affect due to repeated use

Question 37

Addiction

Answer 37

A condition where the body or mind craves a drug, often leading to compulsive use despite harmful consequences

Question 38

Withdrawal

Answer 38

Physical or mental symptoms that occurr when a person stops using a drug they are addicted to