Brain structures, neurotransmitters, and neural communication concepts from a college biological psychology course.
39 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the role of the axon in a neuron?
- Transmits electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons
- What does the dendrite do?
- Receives electrical signals from other neurons
- What is the synapse?
- The small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the membrane of another
- What does the myelin sheath do?
- Insulates the axon and speeds up action potential conduction
- Define the resting membrane potential.
- The electrical potential across a neuron's membrane when it is not firing, approximately -70 mV
- What is the threshold potential?
- The membrane potential that must be reached to trigger an action potential, approximately -55 mV
- What does the cerebral cortex do?
- Processes sensory information, controls voluntary movement, and handles higher cognitive functions
- What is the function of the hippocampus?
- Forms new long-term memories and is involved in spatial memory and navigation
- What does the cerebellum control?
- Coordination, balance, and motor learning
- What is the function of the amygdala?
- Processes emotions, particularly fear and threat detection
- What does the thalamus do?
- Relays and processes sensory information to the cortex
- What is the role of the nucleus accumbens?
- Processes reward and motivation, involved in pleasure and addiction
- What does the brainstem do?
- Controls basic life functions including breathing, heart rate, and sleep-wake cycles
- What is the function of the corpus callosum?
- Connects the left and right hemispheres and allows interhemispheric communication
- What is an action potential?
- A rapid change in membrane potential that propagates along an axon, allowing neural signaling