All Flashcards
What is the all-or-nothing principle?
A neuron either fires completely or not at all once the threshold is reached.
Explain the concept of a reflex arc.
A super-fast, automatic response to a stimulus that bypasses the brain for quick reactions.
What is the role of excitatory neurotransmitters?
They increase the chance of a neuron firing.
What is the role of inhibitory neurotransmitters?
They decrease the chance of a neuron firing.
What is the function of dopamine?
Motivation, reward, and motor control.
What is the function of acetylcholine?
Muscle contractions, learning, and memory.
What is the function of endorphins?
Natural pain relief and euphoria.
What is the 'fight-or-flight' response?
The body's reaction to a perceived threat, triggered by adrenaline.
How do reuptake inhibitors work?
They block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, prolonging their effects in the synapse.
What is addiction?
Compulsive drug use despite negative consequences, due to the brain's reward system being hijacked.
Compare agonists and antagonists.
Agonists mimic or enhance neurotransmitter effects, while antagonists block them.
Compare stimulants and depressants.
Stimulants increase neural activity, while depressants decrease it.
How are SSRIs used in mental health?
As antidepressants, they block serotonin reuptake, improving mood.
How does caffeine affect alertness?
It blocks adenosine, increasing neural activity and alertness.
How do opioids affect pain?
They mimic endorphins, providing powerful pain relief and inducing euphoria.