Psych 101 - Ch. 2

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that are released into the synaptic gap

Terminals

Contain neurotransmitters; form junctions with dendrites of other neurons

Axon Terminal

Forms a junction with the dendrite of the receiving neuron

Cell Body

Generates energy and contains genetic material

Limbic System

Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Amygdala, Hippocampus

Myelin

Increases speed of neural impulses

Amygdala

Involved in aggression, fear, and emotional memories

Hippocampus

Involved in learning new memories

Pituitary

Master gland of the endocrine system, controlled by the hypothalamus

Dendrite of Receiving Neuron

Receives signal from other neurons

Dendrites

Receives signals from other neurons

Synaptic Vesicles

Small membrane sacs that contain neurotransmitters

Synaptic Gap

The physical space between two neurons; also called the synaptic cleft

Hypothalamus

controls eating and other motivated behaviors, and is linked to emotion

Receptor Site

Binds with the neurotransmitter and influences the new electrical signal

Axon

Carries signals from cell body to the axon terminal