PSYC 309 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Grey Matter, Neuroglia, Hypothalamus
Document Summary
Neuron: a type of cell that makes up the nervous system and supports, amongst other things, cognitive functions. Three parts: o and other organelles o o. Cell body: part of the neuron containing the nucleus. Nucleus contains genetic code which is involved in protein synthesis. Dendrites: branching structures that carry info from other neurons. # and structure of branches vary depending on type of neuron (where found in the brain) Axon: branching structure that carries info to other neurons and transmits an action potential. Only 1 axon, but can be divided into several branches (collaterals) Only thing that can create action potential bc axon has voltage-gated ion channels. Synapse: the small gap between neurons in which neurotransmitters are released, permitting signaling between neurons. Two neurons deemed presynaptic (before synapse) and postsynaptic (after synapse), reflecting direction of info. Action potential: a sudden change (depolarization and repolarization) in the electrical properties of the neuron membrane in an axon.
