PSYC 2510 Lecture Notes - Neuroplasticity, Endocrine System, Somatic Nervous System
3 Dec 2012
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Document Summary
Myelin sheath-- insulating material that speeds up the transmission of signals. Nourish neurons, help remove waste in neurons, and contribute to myelin formation. New research suggests they play a much more important role than once thought. Neural impulses are the electrochemical messages relayed from one neuron to another. Involve the concentration of positively (na+ and k+) and other negatively charged (cl-) ions on oither side of the cell membrane. Resting potential-- when the neuron is inactive, negatively charged. Action potential-- neuron briefly shifts to a less negative or even positive charge. Synapse-- junction where information is passed between neurons. Binds to specific receptors on postsynaptic neuron membrane. Postsynaptic potential (psp)-- the voltage change at the receptor site of a postsynaptic neuron upon receiving a neural impulse. Many neurons must be firing and communicating to effect an action. Across development, neural networks get organized and more refined. Play important role in physiological and psychological functioning.
