PSY 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Action Potential, Basal Ganglia, Midbrain
9 Dec 2015
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Fall semester 2015 psy 1010 with mark alicke. Nervous system: the body"s electrochemical communication circuitry. Plasticity: (adaptability) the brain"s special physical capacity for change. Information is transmitted via electrical impulses and chemical messengers. Afferent nerves: (sensory) carry information to the brain and spinal cord. Efferent nerves: (motor) carry information from the brain and spinal cord; stimulate muscles to contract. Synapses and neurotransmitters: synapses: tiny spaces between neurons (synaptic gap, terminal buttons: ends of axons, neurotransmitters: transmit information across synaptic gap to other neurons. Acetylcholine: stimulates the firing of neurons and is involved in muscle action, learning, and memory; alleviates alzheimer"s. Gaba: cns; inhibits neurons from firing ( brakes ); valium and antianxiety. Glutamate: excites neurons to fire; memory and learning; too much triggers migraines and seizures. Norepinephrine: stimulated by stress; inhibits firing; alertness; sleep/wake cycle. Endorphins: opiates; stimulate firing; depress nervous system and eliminate pain. Oxytocin: love and social bonding; pleasure; a hormone.
