Psychology Ch. 2
GABA
(Gamma aminobutyric Acid) is found throughout the central nervous system.
Nor epinephrine
Inhibits the firing of neurons in the central nervous system, it excites the heart muscle, intestines, and urogenital tract.
Seratonin
Involved in regulation of sleep, mood, attention, & learning. In regulating states of sleep and wakefulness, it teams with Acetylcholine and Norepinephrine.
Endorphins
Natural opiates that mainly stimulate the firing of neurons.
3 Units of the Nervous System
Neurons- the nerve cells that handle the information-processing function. Glia (or glial cells) - provide support, nutritional benefits, and other functions in the nervous system Myelin/myelin sheath- consisting of a layer of cells containing fat, encases and insulates most axons.
All or None Law
Once the electrical impulse reaches a certain level of intensity, called its threshold, it fires and moves all the way down the axon without losing any of its intensity.
Resting
Stable, Negative charge of an inactive neuron.
Acetylchorline
Stimulates the firing of neurons & is involved in action of muscles, learning, & memory.
Action Potentials
The brief wave of a positive electrical charge that sweeps down the axon.
Synapse
Tiny spaces between neurons; the gap between neurons is referred to as a synaptic gap.
Dopamine
Helps to control voluntary movement & affects sleep, mood, attention, learning, & the ability to recognize rewards in the environment.
Oxytocin
Hormone & neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the experience of love & social bonding.
Parts of the Neuron
• Dendrites- treelike fibers projecting from a neuron receive information and orient it toward the neuron's cell body. • Cell body- contains the nucleus, which directs the manufacture of substances that the neuron needs for growth and maintenance • Axon- part of the neuron that carries information away from the cell body toward other cells. • Terminal buttons- Each axon branches out into numerous fibers that end in structures.