Neurons- Biopsychology Flashcards
What are neuronal cells
Specialised cells that receive and transmit electrical impulses called nerve impulses
What are the 4 main parts of a neuron
- Dendrite
- Cell body
- Axon
- Axon terminal
Where is a nerve impulse triggered?
- at the cell body
Why is a nerve impulse triggered?
- if there’s a big enough voltage change in the cell body
What direction does a nerve impulse travel?
From the dendrite down to the axon terminal
What is synaptic transmission
The process by which one neuron transmits nerve impulses to another
Where does synaptic transmission occur
The synapse
What is a synapse
Where an axon terminal of one neuron meets a dendrite of another neuron
Explain synaptic transmission
1- there are small things called synaptic vesicles inside the pre synaptic terminal that are filled with neurotransmitters.
2- When a nerve impulse arrives at the pre synaptic terminal, the synaptic vesicles travel down the pre synaptic membrane and fuses with it
3- the neurotransmitters then diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the post synaptic membrane
4- this allows for charged particles to flow into the post synaptic terminal
5- the neurotransmitters are released back into the synaptic cleft where they re uptake back into the pre synaptic terminal
What are the two types of neurotransmitters?
- Excitatory
- Inhibitory
Describe an excitatory neurotransmitter
-Allow positively charged particles into the post synaptic terminal
- makes nerve impulses more likely to occur
Describe inhibitory neurotransmitters
- allow negatively charged particles to enter the post synaptic neuron
- makes nerve impulses less likely to occur
What is Summation?
The balance or combination of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters that determine if a nerve impulse happens or not
What are the three main types of neuron?
- sensory
- Relay
- Motor
What is the role of sensory neurons?
Pick up sensory information and transmit this towards the brain
