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A detailed explanation of nerve cells and nerve impulses, fundamental concepts in biological psychology. It explores the structure of neurons, including dendrites, soma, and axons, and delves into the mechanisms of nerve impulse transmission, including resting potential, action potential, and the role of myelin sheath. The document also discusses the different types of neurons and glia, their functions, and the importance of the blood-brain barrier. It is a valuable resource for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system and its role in behavior and experience.
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Chapter 1
Biological Psychology (^) The study of the physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience (^) We think and act as we do because of brain mechanisms (^) We evolved those brain mechanisms because ancient animals built this way survived and reproduced
How Many Neurons Do We Have?
Cajal, a Pioneer of Neuroscience (^) Individual cells comprising the nervous system remained separate (^) Do not merge into each other as previously believed
+ The Structures of an Animal Cell (^) Like other cells in the body, neurons contain the following structures: (^) Membrane: separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment (most chemicals cannot pass; use protein channels) (^) Nucleus: contains the chromosomes (^) Mitochondrion: performs metabolic activities and provides energy that the cells requires (^) Ribosomes: sites at which the cell synthesizes new protein molecules (^) Proteins provide building materials for cell & facilitate chemical reactions (^) Endoplasmic reticulum: network of thin tubes that transports newly synthesized proteins to their location
The Structure of a Neuron (^) Neuron cells are similar to other cells of the body but have a distinctive shape (varies across neurons)
Dendrites (^) Branching fibers with a surface lined with synaptic receptors (^) responsible for bringing information into the neuron (^) Some also contain dendritic spines that further branch out and increase the surface area of the dendrite (^) The greater the surface area of the dendrite, the more information it can receive
Cell Body/Soma (^) Contains the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes (^) Responsible for the metabolic work of the neuron (^) Covered with synapses on its surface in many neurons
Motor and Sensory Neurons (^) A motor neuron (^) Has its soma in the spinal cord (^) Receives excitation from other neurons through dendrites (^) Conducts impulses along its axon to a muscle or gland
Motor and Sensory Neurons (^) A sensory neuron (^) Specialized at one end to be highly sensitive to a particular type of stimulation (touch, light, sound, etc.)
Afferent, Efferent, and Intrinsic
Variations Among Neurons (^) Neurons vary in size, shape, and function (^) The shape of a neuron determines it connection with other neurons and its contribution to the nervous system (^) The function is closely related to the shape of a neuron
The Blood-Brain Barrier (^) A mechanism that surrounds the brain and blocks most chemicals from entering by lining brain’s blood vessels (^) Neurons in the brain generally do not regenerate (^) Must block incoming viruses, bacteria…)
Active Transport (^) Small, uncharged molecules (oxygen & carbon dioxide, vitamins A & D, antidepressants, illegal drugs) cross without a special mechanism (^) The protein-mediated process that expends energy to pump chemicals from the blood into the brain (^) Glucose, certain hormones, amino acids, a few vitamins… are brought into the brain via active transport (^) Can pose a difficulty in allowing chemicals (chemotherapy for brain cancer) to pass the barrier