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Module Objectives:
Identify and define the structures of the neuron
Identify and discuss the role of neurotransmitters on behavior
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Ancient cultures believed the heart was the center of all
thoughts and emotions. But we now know that the brain and the rest of the nervous
system are the power behind our psychological life and
much of our physical being.
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This chapter introduces you to the field of neuroscience and
biopsychology
the scientific study of the biology of behavior and
mental processes
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This amazingly complex nervous system controls
some of our most sophisticated
psychological behaviors
We will begin by examining the most basic elements of the
human nervous system. Let’s look at our foundation!
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The Neuron
The neuron is the basic building block of the nervous system‐ Each one is a tiny information-
processing system with thousands of connections for receiving and sending electrochemical signals to other neurons.
Each human body may have as many as one trillion neurons.
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Look at the following pictures and make a list
of words that best describe the picture
Pretend that you’re describing the picture to a friend who
cannot see it.
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Did you notice a web-like appearance in those
neurons?
We will see that neurons do create a neural network crucial to
communication…what you will also learn is that as much as they
look like a web, neurons do not actually touch
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4 parts of the neuron
1. Dendrites are specialized to receive signals from neighboring neurons and carry them back to the cell body
Thin, bushy-like structures that receive information from outside the neuron
‐ Relays the information into the cell body
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The Neuron
2. The Cell body contains the cell nucleus
The cell body relays the information down to the axon
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The structure of a neuron3. Axon: A thin, long structure that
transmits signals from the cell body to the axon terminal.
4. Axon Terminal is the last step for the relay of information inside the neuron.
Axon
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Once the information hits the terminal, it is
transmitted outside the cell by
neurotransmitters, which reside in the axon
terminal.
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The Electrical Part
Action potential is an electrical current sent down the axon.
The activity within the neurons is electrical. This current causes the neuron to “fire”
‐ This is an “all-or-none” process…a neuron never firs half way. It either fires or it doesn’t.
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Synaptic transmission
The Synapse is the space between neurons-The synaptic gap or cleft
Information must be transmitted across the synapse to other neurons via the neurotransmitters.
This is an electrochemical process
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Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that reside in the axon terminals
• They communicate to other neurons by binding to receptors on neighboring neurons
-The communication between neurons is chemical
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Synaptic Transmission
The neurotransmitters are released from the vesicles and then attach to receptors located on the postsynaptic neuron.
These neurotransmitters are in contact with the dendrite of the postsynaptic neuron only briefly.
‐ The chemical is almost immediately destroyed or reabsorbed (reuptake)
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Neurotransmitters
At least 50 different types of neurotransmitters have been identified
‐ Acetylcholine‐ GABA‐ Serotonin‐ Dopamine‐ Norepinephrine‐ Endorphins
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Acetylcholine
Activates motor neurons controlling skeletal muscles
Contributes to the regulation of attention, arousal and memory
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Examples of Neurotransmitters
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is involved in experiences of anxiety, alcohol abuse, seizure disorders, and sleep disorders
Serotonin is involved in sleep and mood regulation, eating and aggression‐ Abnormal levels may contribute to
depression and OCD
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Dopamine
Contributes to control of voluntary movements, feelings of reward and pleasure
‐ Too much dopamine has been associated with schizophrenia
‐ Too little dopamine has been associated with ADD and Parkinson’s Disease
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Norepinephrine
Involved in arousal reactions, especially important for vigilance
‐ A heightened sensitivity to your surroundings
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Drugs Impact on the Brain
Common drugs can alter the amount of a neurotransmitter released at the synapses
Some drugs can mimic/facilitate the action of the neurotransmitters while others can block the action of the neurotransmitter.
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Agonists versus Antagonists
Agonists mimic or facilitate the actions of a neurotransmitter
Antagonists oppose/block the actions of a neurotransmitter
AntagonistAgonist
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