AP Psychology Chapter 2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is neuroanatomy?

The study of the parts and function of neurons.

What is a neuron?

A neural cell made up of specific structures: dendrites, cell body, axon, and terminal buttons.

What are dendrites?

Root-like parts of the cell that stretch out from the cell body.

What is the cell body (also called soma)?

It contains the nucleus and other parts of the cell needed to sustain life. Signup and view all the answers

What is an axon?

A wire-like structure ending in the terminal buttons that extends from the cell body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the myelin sheath?

A fatty covering around the axon that speeds up neural impulses. Signup and view all the answers

What are terminal buttons?

Branched ends of the axon that contain neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemicals contained in the terminal buttons that enable neurons to communicate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a synapse?

The space between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What are receptor sites?

Areas on a dendrite designed to receive a specific neurotransmitter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold in neuron firing?

The level of neurotransmitters required to 'fire' a neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is action potential?

An electric charge that spreads down the length of a neuron after the threshold is achieved. Signup and view all the answers

The all-or-none principle means that a neuron can fire partially.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is neural firing?

An electrochemical process where electricity travels within the cell and chemicals travel between cells. Signup and view all the answers

What are excitatory neurotransmitters?

Chemicals that excite the next neuron into firing. Signup and view all the answers

What are inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Chemicals that inhibit the next neuron from firing. Signup and view all the answers

What is acetylcholine (ACh) associated with?

Motor movement. Signup and view all the answers

What is dopamine associated with?

Motor movement and alertness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of endorphins?

They are associated with pain control. Signup and view all the answers

What is serotonin associated with?

Mood control. Signup and view all the answers

What are afferent neurons (sensory neurons)?

Neurons that take information from the senses to the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What are efferent neurons (motor neurons)?

Neurons that take information from the brain to the rest of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central nervous system (CNS)?

Part of the nervous system that consists of our brain and spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

What is the spinal cord?

A bundle of nerves that run through the center of the spine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

All the nerves in your body other than the brain and spinal cord nerves. Signup and view all the answers

What does the somatic nervous system control?

Voluntary muscle movements. Signup and view all the answers

What does the autonomic nervous system control?

Automatic functions of the human body such as heart and lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sympathetic nervous system's role?

Mobilizes our body to respond to stress. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neuroanatomy and Neurons

Neuroanatomy examines the components and functions of neurons, the fundamental cells of the nervous system.
Neurons consist of dendrites, a cell body (soma), an axon, and terminal buttons, each playing a specific role in transmitting signals.

Neuron Structure

Dendrites: Branching extensions from the cell body that establish synaptic connections with other neurons.
Cell Body (Soma): Houses the nucleus and essential cellular functions for the neuron's survival.
Axon: Long, wire-like projection that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body to terminal buttons.
Myelin Sheath: Insulation around the axon that accelerates neural impulse transmission.
Terminal Buttons: Endpoints of axons that release neurotransmitters into the synapse.

Communication Between Neurons

Neurotransmitters: Chemicals in terminal buttons that facilitate neuron communication by binding to receptor sites on dendrites.
Synapse: The gap between terminal buttons of one neuron and dendrites of another neuron where neurotransmission occurs.
Receptor Sites: Specialized areas on dendrites designed to receive specific neurotransmitters, akin to a lock and key.

Neural Firing Mechanisms

Threshold: Minimum level of neurotransmitters needed to trigger a neuron's action potential.
Action Potential: An electrical charge that travels down a neuron upon reaching the threshold, allowing signal transmission.
All-or-None Principle: A neuron fires fully or not at all when stimulated past the threshold.

Types of Neurotransmitters

Excitatory Neurotransmitters: Stimulate the next neuron to fire.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters: Prevent the next neuron from firing.
Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in motor movement; deficiency linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Dopamine: Related to movement and alertness; deficiencies linked to Parkinson's, while excess is associated with schizophrenia.
Endorphins: Neurotransmitters that aid in pain management.
Serotonin: Linked to mood regulation; low levels are connected to depression.

Types of Neurons

Afferent Neurons (Sensory Neurons): Carry information from sensory receptors to the brain, facilitating sensory input.
Efferent Neurons (Motor Neurons): Transmit signals from the brain to the muscles and organs, enabling responses and movement.

Nervous System Components

Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord; protected by bone structures (skull and vertebrae).
Spinal Cord: A nerve bundle that transmits signals between the brain and the body's peripherals.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Encompasses all nerves outside the CNS; divided into somatic and autonomic systems.

Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary muscle movements, acting on impulses from the motor cortex.
Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion; divides further into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Mobilizes physiological responses, preparing the body for stress, often termed the "fight-or-flight" response.

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Description

Test your knowledge of neuroanatomy with these flashcards from AP Psychology Chapter 2. Each card focuses on essential terminology and definitions related to neurons and their structures. Perfect for quick review and retention of key concepts in neuroscience.