openstax Psychology Chapter 3.2

Reuptake

neurotransmitters being pumped back into the neuron that released it, i order to clear the synapse

Myelin sheath

Axons, range in length from a fraction of an inch to several feet. in some axons, gilal cells for a fatty substance , which coats the axon and acts as an insulator, increasing the speed at which the signal travels.

Resting Potential

Between signals, the neuron membrane's potential is held in a state of readiness

Neurons

Interconnected information processors that re essential for all of the tasks of the nervous system. the central building blocks of the nervous system

Dendrites

Soma has branching extentions

Agonists

chemicals that mimic a neurotransmitter at the receptor site and , thus strengthen its effects

nervous System

composed of two basic cell types : glilal cells and neurons

Types of neurotransmitters

dopamine causes mood, sleep, learning beta-endorphin causes pain, pleasure

Psychotropic medications

drugs that treat psychiatric symptoms by restoring neurotransmitter balance

biological perspective

focus on the physiological causes of behavior assert that psychological disorders like depression and schizophrenia

Synapse

is a very small space between two neurons and is an important site where communication between neurons occurs.

Soma

location of the nucleus of the neuron

All or None Phenomenon

means that an incoming signal from another neuron is wither sufficient or insufficient to reach the threshold of excitation. there is no in- between.

Semipermeable Membrane

outer surface, a membrane allows smaller molecules and molecules without an electrical charge to pass through it, while stopping larger or highly charged molecules.

Receptors

proteins on the cell surface where neurotransmitters attach, vary in shape, with different shapes "matching" different Neurotransmitters.

Gilal Cells

provide scaffolding on which the nervous system is built, help neurons line up closely with each other to allow neuronal communication, provide insulation to neurons, transport nutrients and waste products, and mediate immune responses.

Axon

signals are transmitted electrically across the soma and down a major extension from the soma

Neurotransmitters

synaptic vesicles that house neurotransmitters, the chemicals messengers of the nervous system

Membrane Potential

the difference in charge across the membrane, called the membrane potential , provides energy for the signal

Terminal Buttons

the major extension from the soma known as the axon which ends at multiple terminal buttons

threshold of excitation

the neuron becomes active and the action potential begins

antagonist

the opposite, blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter at the receptor

Action Potential

the positive spike constitutes the action potential , the electrical signal that typically moves from the cell body down the axon to the axon terminals.

Synaptic vesicles

what the terminal button contains