PSYC 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Synesthesia, Reticular Formation, Hemispatial Neglect

• School: McGill University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Jens C Pruessner

Document Summary

Basic units of nervous system: nerve cells/neurons: receive, integrate, transmit info in nervous system. Selective communication forms neural networks, develop permanent alliances through maturation/experience). Neurons specialized for communication: excitable, powered by electrical impulses, communicate through chemical signals (reception, integration, transmission: types of neurons. Sensory (afferent) neurons detect physical info, pass to brain via spinal cord. Motor (efferent) neurons direct muscles to contract/relax, produce movement. Interneurons communicate locally, short-distance, only with other neurons: neuron structure. Dendrites: short and branchlike, increase receptive field, detect nearby chemical signals. Cell body (soma): info from other neurons collected, integrated. Axon: narrow outgrowth of neuron by which electric info is transmitted to other neurons. Terminal buttons: at end of axon, release chemical signals from neuron to synapse. Synapse: site where chemical communication occurs between neurons. Synaptic cleft: gap between axon of sending neuron and dendrites of receiving neuron. Myelin sheath: glia/neuroglia that insulates axon, allows rapid electrical movement.