Psych 1 Final (Gade)

Neurons

Discovered by Heinrich Whilhem. specialized cells that receive/transmit information throughout the body and brain; 80-100 billion in body by adulthood; mainly in CNS.

Neuron Structure

This doesn't include synapse/synapse terminals, or the axon hillock

Release of neurotransmitters

- When dendrites are excited they start action potential = all or none signal that is propagated along axon of a neuron
- Starts at the axon hillock/ends at terminal buttons
- Involves positive and negative charged ions along length of axon
- Ions rush in, then when there are too many, they rush out

Events that occur in synapse

- Activation: neurotransmitters temporarily cling to dendrites of another neuron and influence the neuron based on the type of neurotransmitter
- Reuptake: Sucks back neurotransmitters that were released
- diffusion/metabolized: Neurotransmitter can be broken down, washed away, or used up by other cells and enzymes located in the synapse

Diffusion/Metabolized

Neurotransmitter can be broken down, washed away, or used up by other cells and enzymes located in the synapse

Supporting staff of neurons

- Glia(1) cells: Support neurons by - Removing waste, Synchronize activity, Insulate neurons
- Oligodendrocytes: get neurons to communicate (uniformly); goes through process of mylenation, which speed up communication processHave the ability to synchronize activity like following a rhythm
- Schwann: Hooked along ends of axon- Allows for cells to communicate in a much faster manner (action potential)

Reuptake

axon terminal eventually suck back up neurotransmitters that were released

terminal branches

reaches out to neurons so information can physically leave

neurotransmitters

chemicals released from pores of terminal buttons of neurons; released to synapse to communicate with cell

Dopamine (DA)

Individual Neurotransmitter. Important in reward/positive emotional sensation, motivation; high levels associated with schizophrenia, low levels parkinson's disease

Serotonin (5-HT)

Individual Neurotransmitter. Implicated in psychological wellness/mood; linked to areas that control hunger, sleep cycles, and arousal

activation

(excite/inhibit) neurotransmitter temporarily cling onto dendrites of another neuron and influence the neuron based on type of neurotransmitter released

Synapse

small gap between dendrites and terminal buttons; neuron releases a chemical that either excites or inhibits the next neuron