PSYC 1101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Biological Neuron Model, Nicotine, Diazepam

• School: Northeastern University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1101
• Professor: Mark Prokosch

Document Summary

Neurons- the cells of our nervous system. Interneurons- local connectors within the spinal cord and brain. Humans connect very deeply when watching others. They can"t tell the difference between seeing and doing something. If you know the game, the mirror neurons act as if you"re the one playing. Autism may have something to do with broken mirror neurons. Autistic people"s brain waves look different when they watch and do something (unlike normal mirror neurons) The difference in electrical change between the inside and outside of the neuron while at rest. The voltage inside a neuron at rest is -70 mv (considered a hyperpolarized state) High concentrations of sodium ions (na+) outside. High concentrations of potassium ions (k+) inside. A brief (1/1000 second) reversal in polarization of the neuron. Depolarization phase- sodium moves into an axon, making it more positive. Repolarization phase- potassium moves out of the axon, reestablishing the resting potential.