Unit 3

Biological Bases of Behavior

 Module 9
Biological Psychology and Neurotransmission
Key Terms
● Biological Psychology ● All - Or - None Response
● Neurons ● Synapse
● Cell Body (Soma) ● Neurotransmitters
● Dendrites ○ Acetylcholine
● Axon ○ Dopamine
● Myelin Sheath ○ Serotonin
● Axon Terminal ○ Norepinephrine
● Action Potential ○ GABA
● Refractory Period ○ Glutamate
● Threshold ○ Endorphins
● Agonist
● Antagonist
Key People
● None
Neuron Communication
● *Synapse
○ The gap between the axon tip of one neuron and the
dendrite of a second neuron
■ Synaptic Gap
■ Synaptic Cleft
● Reuptake
○ Reabsorption of one’s own neurotransmitters
*Neurotransmitters
● *Acetylcholine (Ach)
○ Involved in muscle movement and memory
○ Linked to Alzheimer's
● *Serotonin
○ Involved in mood and sleep
○ Low levels correlated with Depression
● *Dopamine
○ Involved in movement and reward systems
○ Linked to Schizophrenia
*Neurotransmitters
● *GABA (Gamma - aminobutyric acid)
○ Inhibitory neurotransmitter
○ Low levels correlated with anxiety
● *Norepinephrine
○ Involved in arousal, mood, and sympathetic nervous system
activation
○ Linked to bipolar disorder
● *Endorphins
○ Elevate pleasure/mood and reduce pain
○ Similar effects of opium based drugs like morphine
Agonist & Antagonist
● *Agonist
○ Mimics the action of a neurotransmitter
● *Antagonist
○ Opposes the action of a neurotransmitter