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39 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Neurons |
the brains communicators - specialized in communication with each other - 86 billion neurons, 160 billion connections - unique shape |
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Neuronal components |
cell body (Soma): center, builds new cell components - dendrites: branchlike extension receives info from other neurons -axons: tails of the neuron the spread out from cell body and transfer info |
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Axon terminal |
end of axon, containing synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters |
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Neurotransmitters (NTS) |
Chemical messengers that allow neuron to neuron communication |
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Synapse |
space between neurons where neurotransmitters travel |
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Glial cells |
(glue cells) - in the nervous system, myelin + blood brain barrier - responds to injury - removes debris - enhances learning and memory |
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2 Types of Glial Cells |
astrocytes - oligodendrocytes |
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Astrocytes |
- most abundant - found in blood-brain barrier - increasing reliability of neuronal transmission - controls blood flow in the brain |
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Oligodendrocytes |
- promotes new connections - produces the myelin sheath around axons |
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Myelin Sheath |
glial cells wrapped around axons that act as protection of the neurons signal |
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Electrical activity in the brain |
neurons respond to NTS by generating electrical activity - resting potential - action potential |
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Action potential |
triggered by a change in charge inside the axon - All of none response - neurons fire 100-1000 times per second |
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Neurotransmission |
communications between neurons is chemical - when NTS are released- lock and key (specific) |
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Types of NTS |
glutamate - GABA - acetylcholine - monoamines - neuropeptides - anandamides SEE NOTES FOR DETAILSSSS |
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Endorphins |
the principle function of endorphins is to inhibit the transmission of pain signals - they may also produce a feeling of euphoria very similar to that produced by other opioids |
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Psychoactive drugs |
target the production or inhibition of certain NTS |
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Neural plasticity |
ability of the nervous system to change |
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Neurons change in 4 ways during development |
growth of dendrites and axons - synaptogenesis (formation of new synapses) - pruning (death of certain neurons/axons) - myelination (insulation of axons) |
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Brain behaviour network |
sensory info comes into and decisions come out of the CNS - the nerves outside the CNS are called the Peripheral nervous system (PNS) |
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The Central Nervous System |
the CNS particularly the brain is divided into systems based on location and function |
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Cerebral cortex |
the forebrain is responsible for advanced intellectual abilities - 2 cerebral hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum which allows communication between them - majority of forebrain is composed of cerebral cortex -can be divided into 4 lobes, each associated with different functions |
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Frontal Lobe |
motor function, language, memory - oversee and organize most brain functions - prefrontal cortex= thinking, planning and language - broca's area: language area helps control speech production |
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Parietal Lobe |
specialized for touch and perception - pressure, pain, temperature - passes info to motor cortex every time we reach, grasp or move our eyes |
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Occipital Lobe |
specialized for vision - located at the back of the brain |
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Temporal Lobe |
lower part of the cerebral cortex - hearing, understanding language and storing memories - contains the auditory cortex and speech comprehension |
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Cortical Hierarchies |
when sensory info enters the brain goes to primary sensory cortex, then to association cortex - processing becomes increasingly complex as info is passed up the network |
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Left hemisphere |
fined-tuned language skills: reading and writing - actions: expressions, motion detection |
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Right hemisphere |
coarse language skills: simple speech, writing - visuospatial skills: face perception |
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Limbic system |
emotional center of the brain - Hypothalamus: controls the pituitary gland - Thalamus: - Amygdala: fear, excitement, motivation - Hippocampus: spatial memory |
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Brain stem |
at back of the brain - connest cerebral cortex and spinal cord - basic bodily functions - relay station between the cortex and the rest of the nervous system |
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Reticular activating systems |
connects forebrain and cerebral cortex play a key role in - damage can cause a coma |
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Midbrain |
contributes to movement, tracking visual stimuli and reflexes |
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Hindbrain |
oldest and basic functions consist of: cerebellum: balance, motor skills pons: connects cortex to cerebullum and triggers dreams medulla: breathing, heartbeat, vital functions |
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Spinal cord |
nerves conveys signals between brain and body - sensory nerves: body to brain - motor nerves: brain to body - contains interneurons, which allow reflexes to happen |
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Peripheral nervous system |
nerves that extend outside the CNS - divided into 2 branches |
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Somatic nervous system |
info from CNS to muscles in the body, controlling and coordinating voluntary movement |
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Autonomic nervous system |
controls involutary actions of our internal organs and glands- has 2 divisions sympathetic and parasympathetic; when one is active the other is inactive |
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Sympathetic |
division is engaged during crisis or after actions requiring fight or flight |
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Autonomic nervous system |
division controls rest and digestion |
