Dendrites: Collect messages from other neurons and send them to the cell body
Axons: Sends electrical impulses to other neurons, muscles, glands. They generate action potentials
Synapse: space between the axon of one neuron and dendrite of another neuron. The neurons aren’t physically touching, but they communicate through this space.
Neurotransmitters: chemicals that excite (EPSP) or inhibit (IPSP) other neurons.
Glutamic acid
- Excitatory
- Involved in all behavior,
learning & memory
Dopamine
- Motivation, reward, pleasure
- Voluntary motor control
- Thought process
- Not enough is related to Parkinson's and depression
- Too much causes schizophrenia
GABA
- Inhibitory
- Anxiety & motor control
- Alcohol makes the brain more sensitive
Endorphins
- Reduce pain, increase well being
- Bind to same receptors as opiates
- Act as pain-relievers in severe injury
Nucleus: contains the majority of the cell's genetic material
Action Potentials
Resting potential - the difference in charge between the inside and outside of a neuron is -70 M illiVolts
cell cannot be excited again as resting potential is
restored
cell is trying to dump positive charge to restore equilibrium
below its resting potential state as it purges itsed
fire but only if the stimulus is strong enough.
All or None - action potentials either happen an full intensity, or not at all.
Myelin Sheath: Fatty insulation layer that makes action potentials travel down the axon faster.
Blood-Brain Barrier: Prevents substances (toxins) from entering the brain.