Biopsych - structure and function of neurons Flashcards
What are the 7 components of a neuron
Dendrite, nucleus, cell body, axon, nodes of ranvier, myelin sheath, terminal buttons
What is the function of dendrites
Receive communication with other cells and conduct electrochemical charge to cell body
What is the function of the cell body
Pass electrical signal from dendrites to axon
What is the function of the nucleus
Contains genetic material and synthesizes proteins for cell maintenance and survival
What is the function of the axon
Transfer electrical impulse from cell body to terminal buttons
What is the function of the myelin sheath
Protects axon and insulates neurons, while increasing number of signals being transferred
What is the function of the nodes of ranvier
Help facilitate rapid conduction of nerve impulses
What is the function of the terminal buttons
Send signals to other neurons using NT’s at synapse
What is the general function of neurons
Nerve impulses that act as units of info processing, and behaviour is a result of the frequency and pattern of these impulses
What are the 3 forms of neuron
Sensory, relay, motor
What is the function of sensory neurons
Carry messages from PNS to CNS using 5 senses to create impulse on how to act in the brain
What is the function of relay neurons
Carry nerve impulses between neurons, only carry messages between parts of CNS
What is the function of motor neurons
Connect CNS to effectors (muscles and glands), and release NT’s to form a response
What is the 7 steps in a stimulus reaching a response
Stimulus - receptor - sensory neuron - relay neuron - motor neuron - effector - response
What is a summary of synaptic transmission
Action potential in pre synaptic neuron reaches vesicles containing NT’s. As NT’s diffuse across synaptic cleft they bind to specialised receptors on post synaptic neuron. Receptors will produce excitatory or inhibitory effect, while some NT’s will experience reuptake
What does an excitatory effect mean in synaptic transmission
Further impulses are strengthened
What does an inhibitory effect mean in synaptic transmission
Further impulses are weakened
What is a neurotransmitter
Chemical messengers for the brain released by neurons
What is summation
Excitatory and inhibitory influences are added, and if net effect is inhibitory, neuron will be less likely to fire
What are 2 examples of excitatory NT’s
Glutamate (memory), adrenaline
What are 2 examples of inhibitory NT’s
GABA, serotonin
