Psychology Chapter 2: Neurons and Neurotransmitters

Nervous System Overview

• The nervous system is a network of cells responsible for transporting information throughout the body.
• Neuroscience is a branch of life sciences that studies the brain's structure and functioning, as well as the neurons, nerves, and nervous tissue forming the nervous system.
• Biological psychology, or behavioral neuroscience, examines the biological bases of psychological processes, behavior, and learning.

Structure of the Neuron

• Santiago Ramón y Cajal, in 1887, proposed that the nervous system consists of individual cells called neurons.
• Neurons function as messengers within the nervous system, facilitating communication between brain and body.

Key Parts of a Neuron

• Dendrites: Tree-like structures that receive messages from other neurons.
• Soma (Cell Body): Contains the nucleus and maintains the neuron's function; the term "soma" means "body."
• Axon: A long fiber that transmits messages away from the soma to other cells.
• Axon Terminals: The end branches of the axon containing knobs that communicate with other neurons; also known as presynaptic terminals, terminal buttons, or synaptic knobs.

Glial Cells

• Glial cells, or glia, are essential support cells in the nervous system, historically seen as mere support for neurons.
• Current research reveals that glial cells have expanded roles beyond just support, contributing to various functions in the nervous system.