PSYC62H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Subarachnoid Space, Phenotype
Document Summary
Neurons cells in the nervous system that receive and transmit information to other neurons (pg. Comprise dense communication networks in the brain: networks support the function of individual brain structures and facilitate communication. 4 main components: soma body of the neuron. Supports basic physiological processes: dendrites parts of a neuron that receive information from other neurons. Small stems called dendritic spines grow along the length of dendritic branches. Membranes of dendrites and dendritic spines contain proteins called receptors that neurotransmitter can activate. Overall coverage of dendrites for a neuron is called the receptive area; the more dendrites a neuron has, the more input it can receive: axon send neurotransmitters to other neurons (pg. Branches from the soma, usually opposite from the dendrites. Begins at the soma called the axon hillock and ends with multiple branches containing axon terminals. These branches are called axon collaterals: axon terminal contains and releases neurotransmitters at the post-synaptic terminal.
