01:830:101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Resting Potential, Neuroglia, Myelin

• School: Rutgers University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: 01:830:101
• Professor: Dr.John Ackroff

Document Summary

3. 1 neurons and behavior nervous system cells: neurons-nerve cells, glia cells-support neurons insulation synchronizing activity among neighboring neurons removing waste products, neurons cell body-contains nucleus of the cell. Dendrites-widely branching structures that receive input from other neurons axon-single, long, thin, straight fiber with branches near its tip some vertebrate axons have myelin sheaths (insulate and speed up transmission of impulses along an axon) 1 neuron and another neuron releases chemical that either excites or inhibits the next neuron: terminal bouton (of an axon)-pre-synaptic ending at the tip of the presynaptic axon (contains the neurotransmitter) Psychoactive drugs-alter experience by altering activity at synapses: agonists-increases activity at synapse, antagonists-decreases activity at synapse stimulants-drugs that increase energy, alertness, and activity. Depressants-drugs that decrease arousal: anxiolytics-tranquilizers, relaxation. Narcotics-drugs that produce drowsiness, insensitivity to pain, and decreased responsiveness opiates-either natural drugs derived from the opium poppy, or synthetic drugs with a chemical structure resembling natural opiates endorphins-bind to opiate receptors, inhibit chronic pain.