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Mod 9
Neuron/Neural Transmission
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Soma | Cell body |
| Dendrites | Attached to the soma, and it receives messages from other cells |
| Axon | End. Carry messages away from cell body |
| Myelin Sheath | Fatty protective layer |
| Terminal branches | "tail" Form junctions with the dendrites of other neurons |
| Importance of myelin | -Doesn't develop till age 25 -Crucial to behavior, movement and thought -deterioration can lead to motor impairment |
| Excitatory | -Gas pedal to car -Triggers action |
| Inhibitory | -Brake pedal on car -Depresses action |
| Synapse | Space between neurons |
| Neurotransmitters | Chemical messengers |
| Acetylcholine (ACH) | Enables muscle action, learning, memory -Alzheimer's disease |
| Dopamine | Influences movement learning, attention, and emotion -Schizophrenia |
| Serotonin | Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal -Depresion |
| Norepinephrine | Helps control alertness and arousal -Undersupply can depress mood |
| GABA | A major inhibitory neurotransmitter -tremors and insomnia |
| Glutamate | A major excitatory neurotransmitter: involved in memory -Migraines and seizures |
| Endorphins | Natural opiate Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of Pain and Pleasure Oversupply can suppress the body's natural endorphin supply |
| Agonist | Excite neural firing- More of the neurotransmitter is released Encourages reuptake |
| Antagonist | Inhabit neural firing- less of the neurotransmitter is released Blocks reuptake |