PSYCH 1F03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Adolescence, Action Potential
31 May 2016
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Document Summary
Lecture 1: the neuron and the action potential. Psychology is about the mind and our observed behaviours. We understand very little about the workings of the brain. The main cells in the brain are nerve cells, or neurons. They are all interconnected in a complicated network. Neurons consist of axons, dendrites, and regular cell structures. They consist of many feet, or terminal boutons. A nerve impulse/action potential is what neurons generate. Neurons" resting potential is -70mv, but fluctuates between -50 and -80mv. Positively charged na+ (sodium) ions are located outside of the neuron. Negatively charged o- (organic) ions and k+ (potassium) are located inside. Ion channels allow ions to travel in and out of the cell. Dendridic potential is the effect of other neurons on the dendrites and cell body on a neuron. The action potential takes place only in the axon.
