Psychology 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Axon Hillock, Multipolar Neuron, Unipolar Neuron

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: John Campbell

Document Summary

Neurons: the basic building blocks of the nervous system. These nerve cells are linked together in circuits, not unlike the electrical circuits in a computer. Each neuron is composed of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Dendrites: special receiving units are like antennas that collect messages from neighbouring neurons and send them on to the cell body. They can receive messages from up to 1000 or more neighbouring neurons. Axon: a single axon extends from one side of the cell body which conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. The axon branches out at its end to form a number of axon terminals. There are more than 200 different types of neurons. Neurons are supported in their functions by glial cells which surround neurons and hold them in place. Glial cells also manufacture nutrient chemicals that neurons need, form the myelin sheath around some axons and absorb toxins and waste materials.