UNIT 1.3: Neuron and Neuron firing

Typical Neuron

receives signals through the dendrites and sends signals through the axons

Glial Cells

support, nourish, and protect neurons- Play a role in thinking, learning, and memory

Refractory period

Is why our neurons cant continually fire, since they need time to reset/ restore

Resting potential (Ready to fire)

Neuron starts at rest, small electric charge crosses its membrane

Action potential (Electrical signal fires)

When a neuron receives enough stimulation from other neurons, it fires an action potential — a brief electrical charge that travels down the axon. This is the neuron’s way of sending a message

Synaptic Transmission (Chemical Communication)

When the electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron (the axon terminal), it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse — the tiny gap between neurons.
These chemical messengers cross the gap and bind to receptor sites on the next neuron, continuing the signal.

Reuptake (Resetting the Neuron)

After the message is sent, neurotransmitters are either reabsorbed by the sending neuron (called reuptake) or broken down by enzymes.
This resets the system so the neuron can fire again.

How do psychoactive drugs effect bahaviour and mental processes?

They affect neural transmission — the process by which neurons send chemical messages — which in turn changes how we feel, think, and behave.