PSY-2012 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Myelin, Axon Terminal, Resting Potential
Document Summary
The study of biology related to behavior. You need all levels to understand psychology. If one is impaired, you are still functional. Supporting cells that are plentiful in the brain. They clean up debris, repair neurons, and help speed up neuronal communication. Dendrites: first step in transferring information: receive info in the form of electrochemical messages. The info then travels down the axon. It ends with branches called terminal branches that release the info: the part that is around the axon. Neurotransmitters: transmits info from on neuron to another through the process above. Synapse: axon of one neuron meets the dendrite of another neuron. Synaptic cleft: space between two neurons. Neurons respond to neurotransmitters by generating electrical activity. Resting potential: when there are no neurotransmitter acting on a neuron. Action potential: abrupt waves of electric discharge triggered by a chance in charge inside the axon. Between firings there is a brief absolute refractory period.
