Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes -Myelin, Hebbian Theory, Extracellular Fluid

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

Neural communication [how does a neuron code intensity?] The synapse [how does one neuron communicate with another?] Random question: a new viral disease had been found that actually destroys the myelin sheath around a neuron. What is the likely result: slower neural conduction, faster neural conduction, a lowering of threshold, decrease in hebbian synapses, smaller graded potentials. [how does a cell create an electrical signal?] The cell membrane of the neuron is semipermeable. The concentration of na+ ions outside of the cell (extracellular fluid) is much higher than inside the cell. In comparison, the neuron is negatively charged inside and positively charged outside. At stimulation, the neuron depolarizes (na+ inflow) and the cell becomes more positive. The depolarization continues until it hits the threshold potential (on average ~ -55mv: at threshold potential, the cell completely depolarizes and na+ inflow at max, hits +40 mv and peaks.