PSYCH 2AA3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Frontal Lobe, Myelin, Neural Plate
18 May 2016
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Document Summary
Basic unit of brain and nervous system neuron: cell that specializes in receiving and transmitting information come in many different shapes. Cell body centre of neuron contain basic biological machinery that keeps neuron alive. Dendrite receiving end of neuron looks like tree with many branches lots of branches allow one neuron to receive input from many thousands of other neurons. Axon slender, elongated structure at other end of cell body sends information to other neurons wrapped in myelin. Myelin fatty sheath allows it to transmit information more rapidly from 2 metres per second to 15 metres per second. Terminal buttons small knobs at end of axon which release neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters chemicals that carry information to nearby neurons. Terminal buttons of one axon don"t actually touch dendrites of other neurons this gap between one neuron and the next is synapse. Neurotransmitters cross synapse to carry information between neuons. Frontal cortex functions ability to make and carry out plans and your personality.
