Structure of a Neuron and Synaptic Transmission:

Question 1

What is the Function of Axon Terminals?

Answer 1

This is the end of the neuron that makes a synaptic connection with another neuron or cell in the body. They contain neurotransmitters.

Question 2

What is the function of the Cell Body?

Answer 2

Contains the cell nucleus which holds genetic material for the neuron. Also contains mitochondria which give the cell energy.

Question 3

What is the function of Dendrities?

Answer 3

Receive messages from other neurons to trigger an action potential (electrical impulse).

Question 4

What is the function of the Axon?

Answer 4

An extension of the cell body which the electrical impulse passes down towards the axon terminals.

Question 5

What is the function of the Myelin Sheath?

Answer 5

Fatty deposits that provide an insulating layer and speed up the transmission.

Question 6

What is the function of the Nodes of Ranvier?

Answer 6

Break along the myelin sheath on the cell body which helps to speed up transmission.

Question 7

How do neurons work?

Answer 7

1.An electrical impulse is triggered due to the change in charge in the neuron (action potential).
2.When the electrical signal reaches the terminal button, it changes into a chemical message.
3.The chemical message is a neurotransmitter which is released from the vesicles.
4.The neurotransmitter travels across the synapse to the next neuron.
5.The neurotransmitter binds with the receptors on the next neuron to pass the message on.
6. The neurotransmitter is then either reabsorbed (reuptake) or is destroyed by enzymes in the synapse, returning the neuron to a resting state.

Question 8

What are Neurotransmitters?

Answer 8

Chemical Messangers.

Question 9

What is the function of Dopamine?

Answer 9

Related to emotion and cognitive functioning, posture and control of movement and addictions.

Question 10

What is the function of Serotonin?

Answer 10

Deals with mood control, feeling pain, sleep, hunger and regulation of body temperature.

Question 11

What is the function of GABA?

Answer 11

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It reduces the activity of any neuron that it binds to.

Question 12

Supporting Evidence: Dee Higley:

Answer 12

I: Studied rhesus monkeys in the wild and found that those who were killed or injured in reckless leaping or fights with older, larger monkeys were more likely to have low serotonin levels (serotonin inhibits aggression). J: This shows that neurotransmitters like serotonin affect behaviour such as aggression.

Question 13

Supporting Evidence: Brisch:

Answer 13

I: Irregularities in the dopamine system can also be found in the amygdala, pre-frontal cortex and that the hippocampus is overactive in schizophrenia patients. J: This supports the role of dopamine in disorders such as schizophrenia.

Question 14

Critical Evidence: Depatie:

Answer 14

I: Found that giving people drugs that increase their production of dopamine does not create the symptoms of schizophrenia as would be expected if excess dopamine caused it. J: This suggests that neurochemicals such as dopamine may not be the only explanation of the causes of schizophrenia.

Question 15

One weakness: Artificial Environment:

Answer 15

One weakness brain scans are used to research the effect of neurotransmission on behaviour, and these are conducted in artificial environments using artificial tasks that may change neurotransmission due to stress. This is a weakness because neurotransmitters may not have such a significant impact on human behaviour in the real world.

Question 16

Conclusion:

Answer 16

Useful: This research is useful because it can be used to help develop treatments for people with conditions such as depression and SZ. As it can help them feel less aggressive.

Not Useful: This research is not useful because we must be cautious as it could be used for a excuse of behaviour taking away free will and other factors could still play a part with aggression.