PSYC62H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Synaptic Plasticity, Cannabinoid, Phenytoin
Document Summary
Chapter 4- excitability and chemical signaling in nerve cells. Cns (utilizing 20%--adults, 60%--infants of resting e consumption) Astrocytes (synaptic connection between neurons and required for synapse formation and maintenance) Oligodendrocytes (wrap layers of myelin around axons for insulation and conduction) Neurons transduce information from physical/chemical environment and they convert one form of e into another, and transmit information typically by generating electrical changes in one part of the cell and releasing chemical signals into neighboring cells. Neurons are electrically active, chemically active (release of nt) Common nt: glutamate, gaba, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin. Neuron: soma (integration centre and communication, dendrites (receivers of info usually many extending from one neuron, axons (relatively long, only one per neuron, transmits info) Axon hillock (enlarged region where the axon emerges from soma) Gaps in myelin = nodes of ranvier, axon comes into direct contact with ecf, increase in the rate of conduction. Channels are defined in terms of what ions are let through, gating.