PSYB65H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential, Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential, Auditory Cortex
Document Summary
What makes the human a higher-functioning organism is the fact that humans have aggregates of specialized cells that perform specialized functions. Neurons (communicators) and glia (support functions) are the specialized cells of the nervous system in both structure and function. Shape related to function (to receive, conduct, and transmit) 3 main components: dendrites (receive info), soma (cell body containing genetic machinery), and the axon (sends info to other neurons) Synapse: gap in which info is passed from axon to dendrite. Info is sent in the form of an electrical charge, or action potential. Myelin: many axons in the mammalian nervous system are covered with insulation (speeds rate of info transfer) Terminal button: where info is sent from, across the synapse to the dendrite. Neurotransmitter: neurochemical message passed from the axon across the synapse. Internal anatomy of the neuron: plasma membrane (separates the 2 fluid membranes inside or outside the cell) Processes: genetic, synthetic, and metabolic keep the neuron functioning.
