PSY 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Membrane Potential, Active Transport, Reuptake

• School: University of Oregon
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 201
• Professor: Dasa Zeithamova Demircan

Document Summary

Neurons: information processing/transmitting cells of nervous system. In resting state, inside of neuron is more negative. Pumps 3nat of out of the neuron for every 2 potassium into the neurons \ Drives the neurons to become negatively polarized. Unrestricted, ions would move to equalize concentration and charge. Sodium potassium pump works against concentration gradient. Protein gates aka channels pumps embedded in cell membrane control movements of ions. Neurons in action: action potential- a very brief sudden reversal of the membrane potential. Excitatory input increases membrane potential (depolarization less polarization) When membrane potential reaches threshold, action potential is triggered. Every action potential has the same maximum. We stop it when membrane potential becomes positive becomes positive, potassium channels open. Synapse: site of chemical communication between neurons. Transmitter: molecule that carries the neuronal signal across the synaptic cleft. Stimulates specific receptors (like a key fitting a lock) Neural code requires precision in signaling timing of events.