Neurotransmitters
Associated with movement, learning, attention, an excess amount of this "feel good" neurotransmitter is linked to schizophrenia
Dopamine
The building block of the nervous system.
Neuron
Receiving end of the neuron that takes in signals.
Dendrite
These prescription medications block the reuptake of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that is associated with mood, arousal, sleep, and hunger.
Antidepressants/SSRIs
This type of neuron is less likely to generate another action potential or fire again.
Inhibitory
This neurotransmitter is crucial to the "fight-or-flight" response as it controls alertness and arousal.
Norepinephrine
The body's chemical messengers.
Neurotransmitters
Bridge-like structure that sends signal from one end of the neuron to the other.
Axon
A type of drug that mimics a neurotransmitter to release an enhanced signal or sensation.
Agonist
This type of neuron is more likely to generate another action potential or fire again.
Excitatory
Associated with mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal, a lack of this neurotransmitter is a leading cause for depression in individuals.
Serotonin
This process occurs when neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the sending neuron.
Reuptake
A fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds up transmission of signals/messages.
Myelin Sheath
This type of drug, such as alcohol, slows neurotransmission and body functions.
Depressant
Neurotransmission is a ____________-to-______________ process.
Chemical-to-electricity
Natural "opiate-like" neurotransmitters that regulate pain in the body.
Endorphins
This junction is the place between two neurons where information is transmitted from one to the other.
Synapse
The sending end of the neuron, where information gets sent over to its neighboring neuron.
Axon terminal
A type of drug that blocks a neurotransmitter from binding to inhibit functioning.
Antagonist
The minimum level of stimulation that is required to to trigger a neural impulse.
Threshold
The body's major excitatory neurotransmitter, too much of this can cause an overstimulated brain and lead to migraines or seizures.
Glutamate
A neuron's reaction of either firing or not firing.
All-or-none response
Small gaps or breaks in the myelin sheath that helps speed up transmission.
Node of Ranvier
These drugs work as an agonist to produce a temporary "high" by amplifying normal sensations of arousal or pleasure.
Opiates
When this neurotransmitter is blocked and messages cannot be transmitted, paralysis results.
Acetylcholine