Introduction to Psychology Chapter 1

Introduction to Psychology

• Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior.

The Biological Basis of Psychology

• The nervous system is made up of two major cell types: neurons and glial cells.

Road Map

• Parts of the neuron
• Neural communication
• The peripheral and central nervous systems
• Neuroscience research methods

Parts of the Neuron

• Nervous System: Composed of neurons and glial cells
• Neurons: Approximately 100 billion in the human brain
• Synapses: Potentially over 100 trillion in the human brain (the gaps where neurons meet)
• Glial cells: Outnumber neurons 10 to 1, offering support and nourishment

Neurons

• Individual cells that receive, integrate, and transmit information in the nervous system

Basic Parts of the Neuron

• Soma (cell body): Contains the nucleus and organelles
• Nucleus: Control center of the neuron
• Dendrites: Receive information from other neurons
• Axon: Transmits signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Often covered in myelin sheath for faster signal transmission.
• Terminal Buttons: Small knobs that secrete neurotransmitters to send signals across synapses
• Synapse (synaptic cleft): The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released

Soma and Nucleus

• Soma is the cell body.
• Contains the nucleus and other organelles of the cell.

Dendrites

• Receive information from other neurons

Axon

• Long, thin fiber that transmits signals from the soma to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
• Often covered in myelin sheath for faster transmission

Terminal Buttons

• Small knobs that secrete neurotransmitters to send signals across synapses

Glial Cells

• Provide support to neurons
• Outnumber neurons 10 to 1
• Nourish neurons, remove waste, and insulate axons.