PSYCH 1XX3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Long-Term Memory, Saltatory Conduction, Oligodendrocyte
Document Summary
The neuron: cells are specialized for di erent functions: some secrete hormones, others join to form protective barriers such as your skin, and still others contract and form the muscles in your body. Neurons fall in the category for communication: each of your 100 billion neurons is organized into signaling pathways to communicate via synaptic transmission. What makes neurons good at communication is their unique structure: a typical neuron contains two distinct zones to receive signals from other neurons, and transmission zone designed to pass on signals to other cells. The receptive zone is made up of the dendrites branching out from the cell body, while transmission zone is made up of the axon and terminal boutons: the receptive zone of the neuron begins with the cell body. The cell body contains most of the vital organelles, which keep the cell functioning.