PSYC 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, Parasympathetic Nervous System
9 Sep 2016
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Axon (passes message through terminal branches to other neurons or muscles/glands) Some axons encases with myelin sheath (fatty tissue/insulator) o. Electrochemical response -> not like a wire, more like a wave; opening and closing. Threshold: when reached, action potential starts moving. It either fires or it doesn"t (all or nothing response; think gun trigger) Action potential: neural impulse that travels down an axon like a wave. Reuptake: the absorption by a presynaptic nerve ending of a neurotransmitter that it has secreted. How neurotransmitters influence behavior: neurotransmitters travel designated pathways in the brain and may influence specific behaviors and emotions. Acetylcholine (ach) affects muscle action, learning, and memory. Endorphins are natural opiates released in response to pain and exercise. Drugs and other chemicals affect brain chemistry at synapses. How drugs and other chemicals alter neurotransmissions: agonist: molecule that increases a neurotransmitter"s action, antagonist: molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitter"s action.
