Podcast
Questions and Answers
What occurs when a neuron is stimulated and positively charged particles flow into the cell?
What occurs when a neuron is stimulated and positively charged particles flow into the cell?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood, sleep, and appetite regulation?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood, sleep, and appetite regulation?
What term describes the state of a neuron when it is not firing?
What term describes the state of a neuron when it is not firing?
What best describes the 'all or nothing' principle of neuron firing?
What best describes the 'all or nothing' principle of neuron firing?
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What role do receptors play in the functioning of neurotransmitters?
What role do receptors play in the functioning of neurotransmitters?
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Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in movement and REM sleep?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in movement and REM sleep?
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Which part of the neuron is responsible for conducting the action potential to the axon terminals?
Which part of the neuron is responsible for conducting the action potential to the axon terminals?
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What happens immediately after a neuron fires?
What happens immediately after a neuron fires?
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What is the primary function of sensory (afferent) neurons?
What is the primary function of sensory (afferent) neurons?
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What role do glial cells play in the nervous system?
What role do glial cells play in the nervous system?
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Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving messages from other neurons?
Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving messages from other neurons?
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What is the function of interneurons?
What is the function of interneurons?
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What term describes the chemical released into the synaptic cleft?
What term describes the chemical released into the synaptic cleft?
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Which structure is responsible for insulating the axon of a neuron?
Which structure is responsible for insulating the axon of a neuron?
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How many types of neurons are primarily involved in reflexes?
How many types of neurons are primarily involved in reflexes?
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What is the significance of the synapse in neural communication?
What is the significance of the synapse in neural communication?
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Study Notes
Brain and Behavior Overview
- Introduction of topic with emphasis on understanding neuronal responses to environmental stimuli.
- Importance of completing Quiz 1 and Quiz 2 by September 22.
Descartes and Reflexes
- René Descartes (1596-1650), a French philosopher, proposed that "animal spirits" flow through nerves to and from the brain.
Neurons
- Neurons are specialized cells conducting impulses within the nervous system, serving as the smallest functional units of the brain.
- Each neuron has a unique structure, ensuring no two neurons are identical.
Types of Neurons in Reflexes
- Sensory (afferent) neurons: Transport information from the body's periphery to the central nervous system.
- Motor (efferent) neurons: Relay information from the nervous system to muscles and glands.
- Interneurons: Facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons, processing messages between the two.
Glial Cells
- Glial cells provide support for neurons, including waste removal, nurturing neurons, and forming myelin.
- Smaller than neurons, these cells comprise more than half the brain's volume.
Neuron Anatomy
- Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and organelles.
- Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons.
- Axon: Transmits impulses away from the neuron to other cells.
Synapse
- The synapse is the gap between neurons where signals are transmitted via neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters
- Chemical messengers released into the synaptic cleft that bind to specific receptor sites on neighboring neurons, influencing their firing.
Neural Impulse Phases
- Resting Potential: Neuron at rest has a slight negative charge inside relative to the outside.
- Action Potential: Occurs when a neuron is stimulated, resulting in a sudden influx of positive particles that initiate firing.
- Firing Process: The action potential travels down the axon, releasing neurotransmitters from axon terminals in an all-or-nothing response.
- Return to Resting Potential: After firing, positive particles are pumped out, restoring the negative charge inside the neuron.
Receptor Sites
- Specific sites on dendrites or cell bodies designed to react only with corresponding neurotransmitters.
Key Neurotransmitters and Their Functions
- Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in movement, learning, memory, and REM sleep.
- Dopamine (DA): Affects learning, attention, movement, and reinforcement.
- Norepinephrine (NE): Influences eating habits and sleep patterns.
- Epinephrine: Related to glucose metabolism and energy release during physical activity.
- Serotonin: Impacts mood, sleep, impulsivity, aggression, and appetite control.
- GABA: Functions as a neural inhibitor within the central nervous system.
- Endorphins: Provide pain relief and contribute to feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Neural Networks
- Neurons operate within complex networks, receiving excitatory and inhibitory messages from multiple neighboring neurons, contributing to reflex arcs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of Brain and Behaviour, including key concepts from weeks 1-2. This quiz covers topics like neurons, the nervous system, and Descartes' notion of reflexes. Prepare for your quiz by reviewing major theories and contributions in the field of psychology.
