PSYC 2240 Chapter : Ch 2 of Bio Basis
4 Jan 2012
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
These impulses are sent from the axons onto the soma located on a little stalk off of the main trunk: dendrites: branching fibers which get narrow to the ends. The surface has synaptic receptors, which is where the dendrite receives information from other neurons: dendritic spines: some dendrites have this; are short outgrowths that increase surface area available for synapse, soma (cell body): contains the cells organelles. The metabolic work of the cell appears here as well. Variations among neurons: neurons vary in size, shape and function, neurons that have wider branching dendrites connect more with other neurons. Why we need the blood-brain barrier: protects the brain from getting certain viruses, bacteria or harmful chemicals, rabies is an example of a virus that can invade the blood-brain barrier, and can cause to infection and death. The nourishment of vertebrate neurons: neurons depend heavily on glucose, because besides ketones, it is the only nutrient to pass the barrier in adults.
