Psych 101 - Neuroscience

Foundational Understanding of the Brain

• Introduction to foundational understanding:

  • Basic facts concerning: weight, size, blood, and oxygen consumption of the brain.

  • Inquiry into what can be inferred about human intelligence through brain structure.

  • Exploration of anatomical features that may provide hints about intelligence.

Brain Cell Basics

• Overview of brain cells:

  • Two major categories:

  • Neurons

  • Glial cells (glia)

  • Importance of glial cells:

  • Outnumber neurons in the brain.

  • Perform essential roles often overlooked in studies.

• Complexity of Neurons:

  • Over a thousand types of neurons exist.

  • Focus on categorizing neurons by function rather than the sheer number of types.

  • Primary classifications:

  • Projection neurons

  • Interneurons

Understanding Neuronal Communication

• Nature of neuronal communication:

  • Both electrical and chemical signals are involved.

  • Electrical properties involve changes in voltage.

  • Chemical signals travel between neurons, including within single neurons.

  • Key ions responsible for neural communication:

  • Sodium (Na+)

  • Potassium (K+)

• Baseline neuronal activity:

  • Resting membrane potential explained.

  • Action potential's role as the traveling signal.

Insights into Neuropsychopharmacology

• Phineas Gage’s case:

  • Historical significance of Phineas Gage:

  • Involved in an accident where a tamping iron penetrated his skull.

  • Survived with notable personality changes due to brain injury.

  • Shift from a responsible demeanor to irreverent behavior post-injury.

  • Exploration of materialism in psychology:

  • Link between brain changes and self-identity.

  • Rehabilitation and recovery:

  • Recovery from injuries and the persistence of personality changes.

  • Development of severe epilepsy years later.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain

• Gross anatomical overview of the human brain:

  • Brain's constitution:

  • Represents 2-3% of body weight but uses significant resources:

    • 15% of cardiac output

    • 20% of oxygen intake

    • 25% of glucose consumption

  • Brain structure as a resource-intensive organ.

• Brain size comparison:

  • Brain size correlated with body size, with notable differences based on sex and intelligence metrics.

  • Adults have fewer neurons than children at peak neonate growth, due to lack of adult neurogenesis.

Neurons and Glial Cells

• Neuron details:

  • Comprised of cell bodies, dendrites, and axons.

  • Input region (dendrites) receive signals, output region (axon) sends signals.

  • Types of neurons explored:

  • Pyramidal cells: found in the cortex; pyramid-shaped.

  • Stellate cells: star-shaped morphology.

  • Purkinje cells: found in the cerebellum; characterized by vast dendritic trees.

Glial Cells

• Major types of glial cells:

  • Microglia: act as the immune cells of the brain.

  • Constant vigilance for pathogens in the brain environment.

  • Respond to infections by engulfing and digesting pathogens.

  • Schwann cells: myelinate single axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

  • Oligodendrocytes: myelinate multiple axons in the central nervous system (CNS).

  • Astrocytes: play multiple roles including providing nutrition, maintaining the blood-brain barrier, and communicating with neurons via gliotransmitters.

Neural Networks and Communication

• Description of neuron interactions:

  • Action potentials and neurotransmitter release at synapses.

  • Shift from two-part synapse models (pre and post-synaptic) to tripartite models that include glial contributions.

  • Glial support in synaptic transmission effectiveness.

Conclusion

• Understanding the brain as a complex organ:

  • Focus on both neurons and glial cells is crucial for understanding neural function and implications for behavior, health, and mental processes.

• Emphasis on ongoing research into neuroplasticity and the role of glial cells in brain health and neuronal activity modulation.