Goals

• Describe the structure and functions of the neuron.
• Describe the process of interneural communication at the pre- and postsynaptic site.
• Compare and contrast the different neurotransmitters which play an important role in psychology.
• Explain how agonists, antagonists, reuptake inhibitors, and enzyme inhibitors work.
• Compare and contrast the different techniques used to examine brain structure and function.

Quiz Questions

• Label a neuron
• Describe the Reuptake Process
  • Neurotransmitters getting reabsorbed by the pre-synaptic neuron.
• Know the different ways to visualize the structure of the brain
  • Contrast X-Rays, CAT Scan, MRI
• Know the different ways to analyze neural activity of the brain
  • EEG, PET, fMRI
• Draw a diagram of the pathways of communication within and between neurons.
• List seven of the major neurotransmitters and describe their functions.
  • Glutamate, GABA, Adrenaline, Acetylcholine, Endorphins, Dopamine, Serotonin, Noradrenaline

Neurons

Parts of a Neuron

Cell Body (Soma)

Dendrites

Receive chemical messages from other cells.

Axons

Passes messages away from the cell body to terminal buttons to be sent to other neurons

Action Potential

Electrical signal traveling down the axon.

Myelin Sheath

Covers the axon of some neurons to help speed up neural impulses.

Insulated myelin sheath

Used to help nerve impulses transmit quickly and efficiently.

Terminal Buttons

Form junctions with other cells.

Neuron -> Neuron Chemical Communication

If the action potential reaches a threshold, terminal buttons release neurotransmitters into the synapse between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the dendrites of the receiving neuron. Depending on the type of neurotransmitter and threshold of the potential of receiving neuron, they either potentiate or inhibit the receiving neuron. Neurotransmitters are recycles by diffusion, reuptake, or cleaned up by enzymes such as COMT.

Reuptake

Types of Neurons

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that communicate with external stimuli.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that communicate with muscles and the like.

Interneurons

Communications between sensory and motor neurons.

Analyze Brain Structure

Contrast X-Rays

View blood throughout the body.

CAT Scan

3D map from x-rays.

MRI

Highest resolution. Uses magnetic fields.

Analyze Brain Activity

These tests highlight active parts of the brain.

EEG

Views blood in the brain. Used to see the sum total of electrical activity.

PET - Positive Emission Topography

Uses radioactive isotopes for imaging. Because the image is static, can only be used to form correlational relationships.

fMRI

Uses magnetic fields. Dynamic. Live view. Can be used in experimental research to form causal relationships.

Neurotransmitters

Types

Excitatory

Excites other neurotransmitters.

Inhibitory

Reduces the activity of other neurotransmitters.

Key Neurotransmitters

Glutamate

Excitatory. Promotes memory and learning.

GABA

Inhibitory. Calming.

Adrenaline

Excitatory. Fight or flight.

Acetylcholine

Helps with learning.

Endorphins

Euphoria

Dopamine

Pleasure

Serotonin

Mood

Noradrenaline

Concentration