PY 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Orgasm, Psychological Science, Autonomic Nervous System
24 Mar 2016
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Document Summary
Neurons-cells that receive, integrate, & transmit information in the nervous system. Central nervous system (cns)- brain & spinal cord. Peripheral nervous system (pns)- all other nerve cells in the body. Sensory neurons- detect information from the physical world & pass to the brain. Dendrites: short, branchlike appendages that increase the neuron"s receptive field. Cell body: information is received, collected, & integrated. Axon: long, narrow outgrowth that transmits electrical impulses. Synapse: site where chemical communication occurs between neurons. Synaptic cleft: tiny gap between axon & dendrites. Resting membrane potential- inside & outside are different electrically. Action potential- electrical signal that passes along the axon & causes the release of chemicals that transmit signals to other neurons. All-or-not principle- a neuron fires with the same potency each time. Neurotransmitters- chemical substances that carry signals across the synaptic cleft. Receptors- specialized protein molecules located on the postsynaptic membrane that specifically respond to a neurotransmitter.
