PSY 1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Myelin, Synaptic Vesicle, Axon Terminal

• School: University of Iowa
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 1001
• Professor: Poremba Amy

Document Summary

Nerve cells: communication portals: neurons: the brain"s communicators. Neurons- nerve cells specialized for communication with each other. Cell body (soma) is the central region that manufactures new components. Dendrites: portion of the neuron that receives signals. Axons: portion of neuron that sends signals. Synaptic vesicle: sac containing neurotransmitters: glial cells. Synapses: spaces between neurons that messages are transmitted through. Synaptic cleft: gap where neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal. Forms myelin and blood-brain barrier, responds to injury, removes debris, enhances learning and memory. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell. Blood-brain barrier is a protective shield that insulates the brain from infection. Myelin sheath: cells wrapped around axons acting as insulators of neuron signals. Contain gaps on the axon, called nodes, that help the neuron conduct more efficiently. Neural signals jump from node to node: electrifying thought. Electrical activity from neurons is recorded with electrodes. Resting potential: when there are no neurotransmitters acting on the neuron.