Psychology 1000 Study Guide - Final Guide: Peripheral Nervous System, Parasympathetic Nervous System, Somatic Nervous System

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Derek Quinlan

Document Summary

Basic building blocks of the nervous system. 100 billion at birth, lose 10,000 every day. Three main parts: cell body or soma. Contains biochemical structures needed to keep the neuron alive. Nucleus carries genetic information that determines how the cell develops and functions: dendrites. Branch-like fibres that emerge from the cell body. Collect messages from neighbouring neurons and send them to cell body: axon. Extends from cell body, conducting electrical impulses to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Connect with dendritic branches from numerous neurons. Glial cells surround neurons and hold them in place: also manufacture nutrients, form myelin sheath, absorb toxins and waste, guide newly divided neurons to place in brain during development. Blood-brain barrier prevents substances from entering brain. Neurons surrounded by salty liquid environment: high concentration of sodium (na+) Inside of neuron is more negative, causing it to be more electrically negative: resting potential across the membrane: -70 mv.