Psychology 1000 Study Guide - Final Guide: Otto Loewi, Neuroglia, Axon Terminal

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

Plasticity: changing in neurons in response to new experiences. Neurons: basic building blocks of the nervous system: linked together in circuits, birth--> 100 billion neurons, communicate through electrical signals: action potentials. Neurons vary greatly in size & shape--> more that 200 different types have been viewed. Neurons do 2 important things: communicate through electrical signals called action potentials, release chemicals that allow them to communicate with other neurons/muscles/glands. Neurons are surrounded by body fluids and separated from this liquid environment by a protective membrane. This membrane allows certain substances to pass through ion channels(passageway) into the cell while refusing or limiting passage to other substances. Inside the neuron (a-) and (k+: high concentration of (na+) & (a-) = negative resting potential. Action potential: sudden reversal in the neuron"s membrane voltage called depolarization (-70 40mv: absolute refractory period: membrane is not excitable and cannot generate another action potential.