Neurons
The basic building block of the nervous system.
Neuron
The tiny gap between neurons where messages are sent
What is the Synaptic Gap
Low levels of this neurotransmitter are linked with depression
What is serotonin
The system that uses hormones to send slow but lasting messages
What is the endocrine system
These are the chemical messengers of the nervous system
What are neurotransmitters
These branchlike extensions receive incoming messages from other neurons.
Dendrites
Chemical Messengers that cross the synapse to carry signals
What are neurotransmitters
This neurotransmitter influences learning, memory, & muscle movement
What is acetylcholine (ACh)
The "master gland" that controls other glands and regulates growth
What is the pituitary gland
The chemical messengers for the endocrine system
What are hormones
This long fiber sends messages away from the neuron’s cell body.
Axon
The process of absorbing leftover neurotransmitters back into the sending neuron to be reused
What is reuptake
This "feel-good" chemical is linked with pleasure and reward
What is dopamine
These glands, on top of kidneys, release adrenaline for the fight or flight response
What are the adrenal glands
The fight or flight response is triggered by this nervous system
What is the sympathetic nervous system
The fatty layer that speeds up transmission, like insulation on a wire.
Myelin sheath
The minimum level of stimulation needed to trigger a signal to be sent
What is threshold
Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters and activate receptors
What are agonists
This gland is in your neck and controls metabolism
What is the thyroid gland
After stress, this system calms the body with rest and digesting
What is the parasympathetic nervous system
The all or nothing electrical signal that travels down the axon
What is action potential
After firing, the neuron enters this brief period when it can't fire again
Drugs that block neurotransmitters from binding to receptors
What are antagonists
This organ regulates blood sugar by releasing insulin
What is the pancreas
The brain region that links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland
What is the hypothalamus