PSYCH-101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Somatic Nervous System, Psych, Autonomic Nervous System
30 Oct 2020
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Document Summary
Otto loewi discovered that neurons release chemicals to pass over to next neuron. Researchers found synaptic cleft between axon terminals of one neuron and dendrite of the next. Neurons produce neurotransmitters to carry messages across synapse to excite or inhibit other neurons. Synthesis chemical molecules formed inside neuron. Storage molecules stored in synaptic vesicles. Release action potential causes vesicle to move to surface of terminal, molecules are released into fluid-filled space. Binding molecules cross the space and bind to receptor sites (large protein molecules embedded in the membrane) Binding of neurotransmitters to receptor site causes two possible effects: Excitation depolarizes the postsynaptic cell membrane by stimulating flow of na+ (excitatory transmitters) Inhibition hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic cell membrane by stimulating ion channels that allow k+ to flow out of the neuron, or negatively charged ions to flow in (changes potential from 70 mv to 72 mv)
