Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Parasympathetic Nervous System, Sympathetic Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Terry Biggs

Document Summary

Neurons- specialized cells, building block of nervous system. Cell body (soma) contains structures needed for it to remain alive and the nucleus. Dendrites branch like fibres coming from body, receive and send messages to nearby neurons. Axon conducts electrical impulses away from cell body to other neurons muscles or glands. Supported by glial cells- surround and hold neurons in place. Absorb toxins and waste material that could cause damage to neurons and brain. Blood-brain barrier prevents many substances such as toxins from entering brain. Vessels in the brain contain smaller gaps and are covered by specialized glial cells. At rest, resting potential do distribution of cations and anions in and outside of the neuron. Stimulation, ions flow in and out through cell membrane, reversing electrical charge of resting potential producing action potential or nerve impulse. Original distribution of ions restored and returns to a. (-70mv) c. Release chemicals to communicate with other neurons, muscles and glands.