PSYCH 2010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Synesthesia, Opponent Process, Colposcopy

• School: Clemson University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH 2010
• Professor: Jorgenson

Document Summary

Nervous system: neurons- basic unit of the nervous system, glia- support and nourishment; insulate neurons. Electrochemical nature: action potential- electrical impulse all or nothing travels at 200mph, resting potential- neuron is inactive. Back to nervous system: synapse- junction where info is transmitted, axon terminal, synaptic cleft, dendrite, synaptic vesicles- small sacs containing neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are placed in a lock and key fashion: reuptake- presynaptic part sponges up leftover neurochemical to recycle. Ecstasy prevents reuptake and/or releases more of the neurotransmitter. Long-term damage- receptors fried so no serotonin; hyperthermia (getting too hot): neurotransmitters- chemicals that transmit info from 1 neuron to another. Dopamine- voluntary movement and pleasurable emotion reward pathway - abused drugs. Serotonin- sleep/arousal/ appetite- depressive disorders and eating disorders. Brain regions: hind brain- vital functions (damage can be life threatening because so small, mid brain- sensory processes, fore brain- largest and most complex.