Psychology 2220A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Substantia Nigra, Resting Potential, Membrane Potential

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2220A/B
• Professor: Shelley Cross- Mellor

Document Summary

Small group of nerve cells called the substantia nigra (black substance) dying. These neurons make a particular chemical called dopamine. In order for the striatum to control movement it needs dopamine. Electro part happens within the neuron, chemical between the neurons inside of the neuron is negative with respect to the outside. 70mv: difference in electrical charge btw the inside and the outside of a cell. In resting state, a neuron is said to be polarized: most messages are received by dendrites. Info summed and integrated in the cell body. Every single neuron holds a charge of approx. Combine 80 billion neurons net electricity inside a brain is enough to power a lightbulb. Ionic basis of the resting potential ions, charged particles, are unevenly distributed. 4 ions contributing: sodium (na+, chloride (cl-, potassium (k+, negatively charged proteins. Sodium in much higher concentrations outside of neurons in resting neurons. Potassium much higher concentration on the inside of neurons.