3.1.1 - CNS Flashcards
Describe the CNS:
AO1 x 6 (7 points)
- the CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord
- nerves in our body send information via spinal cord to the brain
- the brain then processes that information and sends a message to the body through the spinal cord
- different areas of the brain are important for different functions
- the cells in the CNS are called neurones which communicate with other cells in large networks
- neurones pass messages along through electrical impulses/neurotransmitters
- neurotransmitters are released and cross the synaptic gap to be picked up by receptor sites
Describe Neurons
AO1 x 4
- neurons are cells that receive and transmit messages from cell to cell
- At one end the neutron has dendrites surrounding a nucleus
- From the nucleus is an axon which reaches to an axon terminal which reaches to the dendrites of another neuron
- Between the terminal and the dendrites is a gap known as the synapse
Draw a neuron
NT def
chemical messengers that act between the neurones in the brain allowing the processing of thoughts and memories (through…)
Describe process of synaptic transmission:
- An electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron, releasing the neurotransmitters from the vesicles and they pass through the synapse gap
- If the neurotransmitter fits the receptor, the message is passed on, as receptors on the post synaptic neuron are designed to bind to a specific NT
- any neurotransmitters that are not absorbed by the receptors will be destroyed by enzymes in the synaptic gap or will be reabsorbed into the PrSN by the process of re-uptake
Excitatory NT vs Inhibitory NT
Excitatory Neurotransmitters increase the likelihood that an electrical impulse will be triggered
Inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood that an electrical impulse will be triggered
Draw process of Synaptic Transmission:
Examples of Neurotransmitters:
Noradrenaline - associated with emotion, particularly in mood control
Dopamine – related to emotion and cognitive functions as well as posture and control of movement
Serotonin – mostly associated with mood control, particularly in the limbic system of the brain