Neurotransmitters and Neurons

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What are neurons?

Neurons are nerve cells that transmit messages to each other with electrochemical mojo.

How are neurons different from other cells?

Neurons have electrochemical mojo that allows them to transmit messages.

What is the relationship between our mental activities and our biological condition?

Our mental activities are spurred by our biological condition.

What does the phrase 'Everything psychological is biological' mean?

It means that our mental activities are influenced by our biological condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of understanding the chemistry of our bodies in understanding how our minds work?

Understanding the chemistry of our bodies helps us understand how we think, sense, and feel about the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of neurons in our nervous systems?

Neurons are the building blocks of our nervous systems and transmit messages to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main topic of this text?

The main topic of this text is the complexity of different systems. Signup and view all the answers

What will the next lesson focus on?

The next lesson will focus on the different components of the nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Zane Ice?

Zane Ice is the person who brought this lesson to the viewers and wants to say hi to his friend Harrison. Signup and view all the answers

What can viewers learn about in this lesson?

Viewers can learn about the different components of the nervous system and how much of their brain they actually use. Signup and view all the answers

Where can viewers learn more about sponsoring an episode?

Viewers can learn more about sponsoring an episode and other perks available to subbable subscribers at subbable.com/crashcourse. Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote this episode?

This episode was written by Kathleen Yale. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the director and editor of this episode?

The director and editor of this episode is Nicholas Jenkins. Signup and view all the answers

What role do neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine play in the nervous system?

Neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine can both excite or inhibit neurons depending on what type of receptors they encounter. Acetylcholine enables muscle action and influences learning and memory, while dopamine is associated with learning, movement, and pleasurable emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Alzheimer's patients in regards to their acetylcholine producing neurons?

Alzheimer's patients experience a deterioration of their acetylcholine producing neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of dopamine and what happens with excessive amounts of it?

Dopamine is associated with learning, movement, and pleasurable emotions. Excessive amounts of dopamine are linked to schizophrenia as well as addictive and impulsive behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How do hormones affect the body?

Hormones affect moods, arousal, and circadian rhythm. They regulate metabolism, monitor the immune system, signal growth, and help with sexual reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

How do neurotransmitters and hormones differ in terms of speed?

Neurotransmitters operate with amazing speed, while the endocrine system takes its time, delivering slow chemical communications through glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?

The pituitary gland is the most influential gland in the endocrine system. It releases growth hormone and oxytocin, and it also regulates other endocrine glands. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic parts of a neuron and what is their function?

The three basic parts of a neuron are the soma (cell body), dendrites, and axon. The soma contains all the necessary cell action like the nucleus, DNA, mitochondria, ribosomes, and such. The dendrites receive messages and gossip from other cells, while the axon transmits electrical impulses from the cell body out to other neurons or glands or muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the myelin sheath and what happens if it degrades?

The myelin sheath is a protective layer of fatty tissue that encases certain types of axons. It acts like an insulated electrical wire, speeding up the transmission of messages. If the myelin sheath degrades, as it does with multiple sclerosis, the transmission of signals is degraded as well, eventually leading to a lack of muscle control. Signup and view all the answers

What are synapses and what happens at the synaptic gap?

Synapses are the contact points between neurons. At the synaptic gap, which is the microscopic cleft between the dendrites and axon of neighboring neurons, chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are released and jump across the gap to land on the receptor sites of the receiving neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurotransmitters and what is their role in neuronal communication?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons. They play a crucial role in neuronal communication by transmitting signals between neurons. They can either excite or inhibit the receiving neuron's trigger, affecting motion, emotion, learning, memory, alertness, sleep, and various other functions. Signup and view all the answers

What are excitatory neurotransmitters and give an example?

Excitatory neurotransmitters rev up the neuron and increase the chances of firing off an action potential. An example of an excitatory neurotransmitter is glutamate, which is involved in memory. However, an oversupply of glutamate can cause brain disturbances such as seizures and migraines. Signup and view all the answers

What are inhibitory neurotransmitters and give an example?

Inhibitory neurotransmitters chill neurons out and decrease the likelihood of the neuron jumping into action. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Another example is serotonin, which affects mood, hunger, and sleep. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic parts of a neuron?

The three basic parts of a neuron are the soma, dendrites, and axon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the soma?

The soma, or cell body, is responsible for the neuron's life support. It contains the necessary cell action like the nucleus, DNA, mitochondria, and ribosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of dendrites?

Dendrites receive messages and gossip from other cells. They act as listeners, relaying the information they receive back to the soma. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the axon?

The axon transmits electrical impulses from the cell body to other neurons, glands, or muscles. It is responsible for communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the myelin sheath?

The myelin sheath is a protective layer of fatty tissue that encases some axons. It acts as an insulated electrical wire, speeding up the transmission of messages. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released by neurons. They jump the synaptic gap and bind to receptor sites on receiving neurons, affecting their activity. Signup and view all the answers