PSY 102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Radiography, Autobiographical Memory, Cerebral Hemisphere
28 Jun 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
PSY – Chapter 3 – Biological Psychology
Neuron – nerve cell specialized for communication
The cell body, also called the soma, is the central region of the neuron. Manufactures new cell
components, which consist of small and large molecules
Dendrite – portion of neuron that receives signals (branch like extensions)
Axon – portion of neuron that sends signals (tail like extensions)
Synaptic vesicle – spherical sac containing neurotransmitters. Travel the length of the
axon on their way to a knoblike structure at its far end called the axon terminal
When the synaptic vesicle reaches the end of its little journey at the axon terminal, it
bursts, releasing neurotransmitters – chemical messengers specialized for
communication from neuron to neuron
Synapse – space between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted
chemically
Synaptic cleft – a gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal
Glial cells – cell in nervous system that plays a role in the formation of myelin and the blood-
brain barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, and enhances learning and memory
Astrocytes – communicate closely with neurons, increase the reliability of their
transmission, control blood flow in the brain, and play a vital role in the development of
the embryo
Blood barrier – a protective shield that insulates the brain from infection by bacteria and
other intruders
Oligodendrocyte – promotes new connections among nerve cells and releases chemicals
to aid in healing. The cells also produce an insulating wrapper around axons called the
myelin sheath
Resting potential – electrical charge difference across the neuronal membrane, when the
neuron is not being stimulated or inhibited
Threshold – membrane potential necessary to trigger an action potential
Action potential – electrical impulse that travels down the axon triggering the release of
neurotransmitters (what neurons use to communicate)
Each action potential is followed by an absolute refractory period – time during which another
action potential is impossible, limits maximal firing rate
Chemical Communication: Neurotransmission
Chemical events triggered by neurotransmitters orchestrate communication among neurons
Receptor site – location that uniquely recognizes a neurotransmitter
Neurotransmission can be halted by reuptake of the neurotransmitter back into the axon
terminal
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Different neurotransmitters communicate different messages. Some excite the nervous system,
increasing its activity, and others inhibit the nervous system, decreasing its activity
Glutamate and GABA – are the most common neurotransmitters in the central nervous
system. Glutamate rapidly excites neurons, increasing the odds that they’ll talk with
other neurons
oGABA – inhibits neuros, dampening neural activity
Acetylcholine – plays roles in arousal, selective attention, sleep and memory
Monoamine (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) – only contain one amino acid.
Dopamine plays a critical role in the rewarding experiences that occur when we seek out
or anticipate goals. Norepinephrine and serotonin activate or deactivate various parts of
the brain, influencing arousal and our readiness to respond to stimuli
Anandamide – plays roles in eating, motivation, memory, and sleep
Neuropeptides – short strings of amino acids in the nervous system
oEndorphins – a type of neuropeptide that play a specialized role in pain
reduction
Drugs that interact with neurotransmitter systems are called psychoactive, meaning they affect
mood, arousal or behaviour
Plasticity – nervous systems ability tot change
The network of neurons in the brain changes over the course of development in four primary
ways
1. Growth of dendrites and axons
2. Synaptogenesis – the formation of new synapses
3. Pruning – consisting of the death of certain neurons and the retraction of axons to
remove connections that aren’t useful
4. Myelination – the isolation of axons with a myelin sheath
Neurogenesis – creation of new neurons in the adult brain
Stem cell – a cell, often originating in embryos, having the capacity to differentiate into a more
specialized cell
The brain behaviour network
Central nervous system (CNS) – part of nervous system containing brain and spinal cord that
controls the mind and behaviour
Peripheral nervous system (PNS) – nerves in the body that extend outside the central nervous
system
Control non-voluntary body functions
Scientists divide the CNS into 6 sections
Cortex
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
The cell body, also called the soma, is the central region of the neuron. Manufactures new cell components, which consist of small and large molecules. Dendrite portion of neuron that receives signals (branch like extensions) Axon portion of neuron that sends signals (tail like extensions) Travel the length of the axon on their way to a knoblike structure at its far end called the axon terminal. When the synaptic vesicle reaches the end of its little journey at the axon terminal, it bursts, releasing neurotransmitters chemical messengers specialized for communication from neuron to neuron. Synapse space between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted chemically. Synaptic cleft a gap into which neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal. Glial cells cell in nervous system that plays a role in the formation of myelin and the blood- brain barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, and enhances learning and memory.
