Introduction to Psychology PDF

# Introduction to Psychology ## The Biological Basis of Psychology ### Road Map - Parts of the Neuron - Neural Communication - The Peripheral and Central Nervous Systems - Neuroscientific Research Methods ## Parts of the Neuron ### Nervous System The nervous system is composed of two major cel...

# Introduction to Psychology ## The Biological Basis of Psychology ### Road Map - Parts of the Neuron - Neural Communication - The Peripheral and Central Nervous Systems - Neuroscientific Research Methods ## Parts of the Neuron ### Nervous System The nervous system is composed of two major cells: **Neurons and Glial Cells**. - There are approximately **100 Billion Neurons** in the human brain - May be more than **100 Trillion Synapses** (the gap where two neurons meet) in the human brain. #### Neurons **Neurons** are individual cells in the nervous system that receive, integrate, and transmit information. #### Basic Parts of the Neuron 1. Soma 2. Nucleus 3. Dendrites 4. Axon 5. Terminal Buttons 6. Synapse (or Synaptic Cleft) #### Soma and Nucleus Also referred to as the **cell body** (Soma is the Greek word for Body). Contains the **Nucleus** of the neuron as well as the organelles of the cell. #### Dendrites The part of a neuron that **receive** information from other neurons. #### Axon Is a long, thin fiber that **transmits** signal from the soma to other neurons, muscles, or glands. Most (but not all) axons are covered in **Myelin Sheath** (a fatty insulating material that speeds up transmissions). #### Terminal Buttons Are small knobs that **secrete neurotransmitters**, which enters the **synapse** between two neurons, to send information to the dendrite of the neighboring neuron. ### Glial Cells - Found throughout the nervous system and provide **support** for neurons. - Outnumber neurons **10 to 1** Supply nourishment to neurons, remove waste products from neurons, and insulation around many axons. - Essentially, they are **servicing** the neurons and keeping them functioning! ## Copyright Information (C) 2024, Nicholas Pepe, PhD. All Rights Reserved. Certain materials included are used under fair use laws of the United States.