PSYCH 1XX3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Neural Tube, Institute Of Noetic Sciences, Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel
29 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
The brain is an astounding organ; contains 100 billion neurons. Neuroscience can be studied alongside psychology at multiple levels: explores the function of the neuron, the fundamental building block of the nervous system. Cells specialize to a variety of functions: some secrete hormones, some form protective barriers like skin, etc, among the many specialize types of cells in the body, neurons specialize for communication. Neural anatomy is prime for communicating information: neurons unique structure: makes neurons especially good at communication, a typical neuron contains 2 distinct zones, receptive zone: design to receive signal from other neurons. Nucleus: transmission zone: design to pass on signals to other cells. Cell membrane is selectively permeable: preferentially, allows diff ions to pass through it with various level of ease, also contains a number of protein channels which acts as passageway of ions, 2 impt channels: sodium and potassium channels. Leaky potassium channels maintain the resting potential of a neuron.
