Week 2 Flashcards
Describe the basic structure of neurons.
Axons are fibres that carry signals away from the neuron.
Dendrites are fibres that receive signals from the axon,
Synapses are spaces between neurons
Describe the electrical and chemical processes involved in the transmission of information between neurons
An action potential is a sudden wave of electrochemical changes, which shoots down the neuron. Action potential can also occur in dendrites
Depolarisation - neuron is ready to fire an action potential
Hyper-polarisation - neuron wont fire message. Action stops.
Communication between neurons occurs at the synapse.
Describe neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters carry signals across the synapse to the postsynaptic cell.
Neurotransmitters bind to proteins called neural receptors.
Describe the electrical and chemical processes involved in the transmission of information between neurons
A neurons membrane keeps positively charged molecules from freely entering the axon through the gates, The membrane is electrically polarised. (inside is more negatively charged than the outside.
Describe excitatory and inhibitory signals
Postsynaptic potential occurs when a reciving or postsynaptic cell is reached by a neurotransmitter.
Excitatory postsynaptic potential is caused by a depolarised membrane.
Inhibitory postsynaptic potential is caused by a hyperpolarised membrane. (unlikely to fire action potential)
How do major neurotransmitters affect thought and behaviour?
Neurons in the brain and spinal cord are organised into neural networks.
Networks send signals to each other, smaller networks are organised into larger ones.
The activity of groups of neurons firing in various combinations underlies different patterns of thought and behaviour.
Describe the Central Nervous System
the Central nervous System processes information and is encased in bone and made up of the brain and spinal cord.
Describe the Peripheral Nervous System
the Peripheral Nervous System runs throughout the rest of the body and relays information to and from the CNS
Describe the Peripheral Nervous System
Is made up of 2 components.
Somatic nervous system that carries information from the senses to the CNS, send movement back to muscles.
Autonomic Nervous System carries messages back and forth between the CNS and organs and glands.
Describe the sympathetic nervous system
mobilises the body for action through fight-or-flight syndrome.
Describe parasympathetic nervous system
Slows organ and gland activity to conserve energy.
What is the Central Nervous System made up of?
Groups of neuronal cell bodies called nuclei and fiber tracts of axons that connect them.
Describe the spinal cord
Carries messages to and from the brain. Feedback system a process in which information about an action’s results are conveyed back to the source of the action so that further adjustments to the activity can be made.
Describe reflexes
Quick, involuntary movements, occur in the spinal cord with no instruction from the brain, brain is informed after reflex occurs
