PSYB65H3 Chapter 2: Neuroanatomy
Document Summary
Neurons: specialized cells of the nervous system that react and respond to stimuli, and learn and store information about their external environment. Glial cells: specialized cells of the nervous system that provide support. Gross anatomy of the neuron y dendrites: receive incoming information, increase surface area with branches; as many as 100 000 inputs: spines: grow and retract in response to experience y. Soma: contains genetic machinery and most metabolic machinery needed for common cellular functions y axon: sends neural information to other neurons; only one that can branch: myelin: insulation that speeds rate of conduction. Synapse: gap across which information is sent y y presynaptic vs postsynaptic y terminal button: end of the axon from which information is sent y neurotransmitters: neurochemical message that is transmitted across synapse and converted into electronic message. Interneurons: no axons or small axons to integrate information. Functionally: motor neurons, sensory neurons, interneurons y y y y afferent vs efferent.
