Psychology 1000 Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Notes

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

Document Summary

Refer to bio notes for neuron structure, electrical activity, action potential, resting potential, sodium-potassium pump, all or nothing principle, synapses, etc. Gilal cells surround neurons and hold them in place, manufacture nutrient chemicals that neurons need, form myelin sheath around axons, absorb toxins and waste materials that might damage neurons; outnumber neurons 10 to 1. Damage to the myelin sheath multiple sclerosis. Happens when a person"s own immune system attacks the myelin sheath, this disrupts the delicate timing of nerve impulses, resulting in jerky uncoordinated movements and eventually paralysis. There must be balance between excitatory and inhibitory (hyperpolarize) transmitters for nervous system to function properly. Process of inhibition allows for fine tuning of neural activity and prevents uncoordinated discharge of nervous system like in a seizure. A seizure occurs when lots of neurons fire off action potentials rapidly and randomly. Abused psychoactive drugs influence some events in chemical neurotransmission.