PSYC 181 Study Guide - Threshold Potential, Membrane Potential, Interneuron
Document Summary
Biological psychology: the study of the link between biology and behavior. Neurons: cells that conduct electricity and talk by sending chemical messages to each other. Sensory neuron: transmit sensory information from receptors to the brain and spinal cord. Motor neuron: transmit impulses from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body (muscles and glands). Interneuron: located in the brain and spinal cord, links sensory and motor neurons to the brain and spinal cord. Nervous system: consists of a network of pathways carrying messages between the brain and the body. Cell body (soma): largest part, houses the cell"s dna. Dendrites: branch-like extensions that receive messages from other neurons. Axon: cable-like part that carries messages away from the cell body. Myelin sheath: fatty layer that surrounds the axon that increases impulse speed (ms - the degeneration of this layer, slower). Axon terminal buttons: ends of axon, connects to neighboring nerve cells and contain neurotransmitters.
