Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Hypothalamus, Brainstem, Electroencephalography

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

Psychology chapter 3: biological foundations of behaviour. Specialized nerve cells that are the basic building blocks of the nervous system; have been sculpted by nature to perform their function of receiving, processing, and sending messages. Its nucleus carries the genetic information that determines how it develops and functions: cell body (or soma): Contains the biochemical structures needed to keep the neuron alive: dendrites: Branchlike fibres emerging from the cell body. Special receiving units like antennas that collect messages from neighbouring neurons and send them on to the cell body. Incoming information is there combined and processed: axon: One single axon extends from the side of the cell body. Conducts electrical impulses away from the bell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Branches out at its end to form many axon terminals. Connect to dendritic branches from many other neurons to mass messages. Surround neurons and hold them in place. Absorb toxins and waste materials that might damage neurons.