Unit 3 Module 9 Flashcards
(24 cards)
Biological psychology
Study of the links between biological and psychological processes
Localization of function
The idea that various brain regions have particular functions
Biosychosocail
Biological, psychological, and social
Neuron
A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system
Dendrites
A neurons bushy, branching extensions the receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body
Axon
The neuron extension that passes messages though its branches to other neurons
Myelin sheath
A fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of some neurons; enables greater transmission speed
Action potential
A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
Resting potential
Postive-outside/negative inside state
Refractory period
A period of inactivity after a neuron has been fired
Excitatory
Accelerator
Inhibitory
Pushing its brake
Threshold
Level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse
All or none response
A neurons reaction of either firing or not firing
A neurons receives signals through its branching _____ and sends signals through its _____
Dendrites;axon
What are axons incased In that enables faster transmission
Myelin sheath
Synapse
Junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite of the receiving neuron
Synaptic gap
Tiny gap
Neurotransmitter
Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons. When released they bind to receptor sites
Reputable
A neurotransmitters re absorption by sending the neuron
Acetylcholine
Enables muscle action, learning, and memory
Endorphins
Natural opiates linked to pain control and pleasure
Agonist
A molecule that stimulates a response when bonded
Antagonist
A molecule that blocks a response by binding
