ED PSYCH 331 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Prefrontal Cortex, Neural Development, Motor Coordination
25 Jan 2017
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Document Summary
The basic unit of the brain is the neuron which has 3 parts. Dendrites - receiving units that bring info from other cells. Axons - sending units that carry info away to other neurons or to muscle cells. Neurons communicate with other neurons through electrical signals which hit myelin which basically just makes the electric signals more efficient and faster. Neurons can also communicate with each other chemically at synapse - it has three parts. When prompted by an electrical signal, neurons release neurotransmitter which is received by another neuron. Left side of the brain = language, analytical and sequential processing. The right side = spatial, holistic and integral processing. The brainstem = lower part of the brain. Regulates body functions like sleep wake cycle. The hypothalamus = located in the midbrain. Regulates internal organs, hormones, body temp, huner, emotion, etc. The limbic system = donut circle collection of structures. Considered the reward system of the brain.
