PSY 1101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Axon Terminal, Action Potential, Neuron

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 1101
• Professor: Kenneth Campbell

Document Summary

Basic unit of the nervous system: the neuron. Anatomy: cell body (soma): contains the nucleus and its chromosomes. They are just like any other body cells: gets fed by o2 and co2, nucleus: contains the genetic material in form of chromosomes, axon: transmits the information from the other neurons. They transmit their information to muscles, other neurons and glands (communications system): dendrites: receives the information that is submitted by other neurons, myelin: composed of glial cells, it works as a protective coating/insulant for the axon. It increases the speed of the transmission of information by keeping electrons going the same way to prevent collisions. Computer connexions (1 to 1) vs brain (1 to 10000: speed comp = 120,000 to 250,000km/h, brain = 3 to 250km/h, the reaction time is quicker in smaller nervous systems. Multiple sclerosis (ms): damaged myelin sheath = poor transmission. Myelination: production of myelin sheath: synapse: junction between axon and dendrites.