Q1 PD Unit 2 neurons & neurotransmitters

sending signals through nervous system

When something sudden happens, our brain reacts instantly

neurons

the messenger of the body, building blocks of the nervous system

send and recieve electrochemical messages

main job of neurons

soma, dendrites, axon

basic parts of neuron 1

nucleus, myelin sheath, axon terminal

basic parts of neuron 2

soma

contains the nucleus, dna, and other essential cell machinery, MAIN PART of neuron, holding the nucleus and keeping the cell alive

dendrites

these are the short branches that recieve messages from other neurons

axon

long fiber that sends messages to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

nucleus

contains genetic material (chromosomes) of the neuron cell

myelin sheath

insulates axon, helps protect the neuron cell and speed up transmission of electrical impulses

axon terminal

transmits electrical and chemical signals to other neuron cells and effector cells

action potentials/electrical signals

how do neutrens communicate

synapse

a tiny gap between two neurons

neurotransmitters

special chemicals that pass the message, made by neurons

reuptake

process of neurotransmitters being released to synapse, excite/calm the neurons

excitatory, inhibitory, dual-purpose

types of neurotransmitters

norepinephrine

alertness, arousal, fight or flight

glutamate

associated with memory, but too litte or too much could lead to overstimulation, seizures, migraines

gamma-aminobutyric acid

reduces brain activity, helps us feel relaxed

serotonin

regulates mood, sleep, appetite - balances emotion, melatonin, and if you’re full when eating

endorphins

natural painkillers and mood enhancers

acetylcholine

one of the most plentiful chemicals, vital for muscle action, learning, memory. less of this leads to alzheimer’s

dopamine

linked to movement, learning, motivation, pleasure, must be balanced

feel, think, act

unbalanced chemicals affect how we….