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