Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Neuroglia, Limbic System, Brain Damage

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

Document Summary

Neurons: are specialized cells, are the building blocks of the nervous system. Dendrites: collect messages from neighbouring neurons and send them on to cell body. Axon: extends from cell body, conducts electrical impulses away from cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Glial cells: surround neurons and hold them in place. Manufacture nutrient chemicals that neurons need, form myelin sheath, and absorb toxins/waste. Blood-brain barrier: prevents many harmful substances from entering the brain. Nerve activation: neuron has electrical resting potential caused by positive and negative ions inside and outside the neuron (-70mv, when stimulated, flow of ions in and out cause an action potential (- 55mv: original distribution of ions is restored and neuron is again at rest. Depolarization: shift from negative to positive voltage (-70mv +30mv) Refractory period: after an action potential the membrane is at -90mv and is therefore not excitable to send another action potential.