PSY100Y5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Peripheral Nervous System, Postsynaptic Potential, Synaptic Pruning

• School: UTM
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY100Y5
• Professor: Dax Urbszat

Document Summary

Nervous system is a complex communication network in which signals are constantly being transmitted, received and integrated. Glia: cells found throughout the nervous system that provide structural support, nourishment, and insulation for neurons, help to promote more efficient signalling. Neurons: individual cells in the nervous system that receive, integrate, and transmit information. Soma (cell body): contains the cell nucleus and much of the chemical machinery common to most cells. Dendrites: parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information (usually. Axon: long, thin fiber that transmits signals away from the soma to other neurons or extensive dendritic trees) to muscles or glands. Myelin sheath: insulating material, derived from glial cells, that encases some axons, speed up the transmission of signals. Terminal buttons: small knobs that secrete chemical called neurotransmitters which act as messengers that may activate neighbouring neurons. Synapse: junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to another.