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Psychology 101A

Casey Crombie O' English 5.0Average rating 5.0 out of 5 (1 rating) 37 cards

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  1. 1NeuronsNerve cells specialized for communication (brain consists of approx 100 billion)
  2. 2Cell Body (soma)Where materials needed by neurons are created.
  3. 3DendriteProjection that picks up impulses from other neurons.
    (end branches)
  4. 4Axon Terminal (Synaptic Knob)End of axon that attaches to cell body. Contains synaptic vesicles.
  5. 5NeurotransmittersChemical messengers that neurons use to communicate with each other.
  6. 6Synaptic VesiclesTiny spheres containing neurotransmitters. Manufactured in cell body, travel down axons.
    (gel liquid capsule releasing neurotransmitters)
  7. 7SynapseTerminal point of axon branch. Where neurotransmitters release.
    (liquid filled gap between arms and knob)
  8. 8Synaptic CleftA gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal.
  9. 9Sir Charles SherringtonFirst to hypothesize existence of synapses. He measured muscle nerve stimulation, and inferred microscopic spaces between neurons. Argued that neurons are separate cells.
  10. 10Glial CellsPlays a role in formation of myelin sheath and the blood-brain barrier. Responds to injury, removes debris, and involved in thought, memory, and immune system.
  11. 11AstrocytesStar shaped glial cells. Interact with 300,000 - 1M neurons. Increase reliability of neurotransmission, control brain blood flow, vital role in development of embryo.
  12. 12Blood-brain BarrierFatty coating that wraps around tiny blood vesicles. Prevents large, highly charged, and soluble molecules from entering the brain. Protects against infection.
  13. 13OligodendrocyteGlial cell that promotes new connections among nerve cells. Releases chemicals to aid in healing. Produces myelin sheath.
  14. 14Myelin SheathGlial cells wrapped around axons acting as a insulator to the neuron signals. Contains gaps along the axon called 'nodes' which help conduct electricity.
    No MS= multiple sclerosis
  15. 15How do neurons respond to neurotransmitters?Generate electrical activity. Proved using electrodes that allow measurement of potential energy differences inside vs outside neuron. Uneven distribution of particles is necessary.
  16. 16Resting PotentialNo neurotransmitters acting on the neuron. More negative particles inside than outside neuron. -60millivolts.
  17. 17ThresholdWhen number of positive and negative particles equalize, causes action potential to occur.
  18. 18Action PotentialAbrupt waves of electrical discharge due to change in charge inside axon. Neurons fire (100-1000/sec) from the trigger zone and travel along axon to terminal triggering release of neurotransmitters.
  19. 19What happens during action potential?Positively charged particles flow rapidly in then out of axon, causing spike in positive energy then sudden decrease in charge. Ends with slightly more negativity than resting potential. Produces electricity and releases neurotrans. into synapse.
  20. 20Absolute Refractory PeriodFollows action potential. Brief period where action potential can not occur. Limits maximal firing rate. Time needed to reload neurons.
  21. 21Graded PotentialsExcitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (depending on charge of particles and their direction). Same potentials add together, different cancel out.
  22. 22Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (ESPS)When positive ions enters its receptor. This depolarizes the neuron. Causes threshold
  23. 23Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)When negative ions enter receptor. This hyperpolarizes the neuron.
  24. 24Receptor SitesReceptors that bind with specific neurotransmitter from synapse along dendrite of neighbouring neuron.
    (lock-and-key)
  25. 25GlutamateMain excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system; increases likelihood of communication among neurons. Learning & memory.
    Elevated = schizophrenia
  26. 26Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system.
    Decreased = insomnia, depression, epilepsy
  27. 27AcetylcholineArousal, selective attention, sleep, and memory.
    Alzheimer's = lack of ACh.
  28. 28NorepinephrineMonoamine. Brain arousal and other functions like mood, hunger, and sleep.
    Amphetamines and methamphetamines increase NE.
  29. 29DopamineMonoamine. Decision making, behavioural flexibility, and rewards.
    Decreased = Parkinson's
    Increased = Schizophrenia
  30. 30SerotoninMonoamine. Mood and temperature regulation, and sleep cycles.
    SSRI anti-depressants
  31. 31NeuropeptideShort string of amino acids in the nervous system. Similar to neurotransmitters, but role is more specialized.
  32. 32EndorphinsNeuropeptide specialized for pain reduction. Naturally occurring opioids.
    Manufactured opioids bind to endorphin receptors to mimic effects.
  33. 33AnandamideEating, motivation, memory, pain reduction, and sleep.
    Similar to THC
  34. 34AgonistsIncrease receptor site activity. Reduce emotional responses by binding to opioid receptors & mimicking endorphins.
  35. 35AntagonistsDecrease receptor site activity. Block dopamine and receptors by binding to them.
    Anti-psychotic drugs
  36. 36PlasticityNervous system's ability to change
  37. 37Central Nervous System (CNS)Consists of the brain and spinal cord,

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Biological - Chapter 3
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