Vocab Terms 1
The study of how biology influences behavior.
Biopsychology
Long projection that transmits electrical signals away from the cell body.
Axon
The stable, negative charge of an inactive neuron.
Resting potential
relays sensory and motor information to and from the CNS
What is the Somatic nervous system?
The wrinkled outer layer of the brain responsible for higher thought, perception, and consciousness.
The basic cell of the nervous system that transmits information.
Neuron
Fatty coating that insulates the axon and increases signal speed.
Myelin Sheath
Process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the sending neuron
Reuptake
Division of the PNS that controls involuntary processes.
What is the autonomic nervous system?
The wrinkled outer layer of the brain responsible for higher thought, perception, and consciousness.
Corpus callosum
Supportive cells that provide structural and metabolic support for neurons.
Glial Cells
Small knobs at the end of axons that release neurotransmitters.
Synanpse
The brain and spinal cord.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Subdivision of the autonomic system that prepares the body for stress (“fight or flight”).
Autonomic nervous system
Large bundle of fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.
Thalamus
Cell body of the neuron, containing the nucleus.
Soma
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.
Neurotransmitters
All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Subdivision of the autonomic system that calms the body and conserves energy (“rest and digest”).
Parasympathetic nervous system
Sensory relay station directing signals to appropriate brain areas.
Hypothalamus
Branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons.
Dendrites
A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon.
Action Potential
Division of the PNS that controls voluntary movements.
Somatic nervous system
Major pathway for information between brain and body; coordinates reflexes.
Spinal Cord
Brain region regulating body temperature, hunger, thirst, and endocrine activity.
Amygdala