PSYB65H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Metabotropic Receptor, Postsynaptic Potential, Membrane Potential
Document Summary
Humans have aggregates of specialized cells that perform specialized functions. Neurons: cells in the nervous system that are responsible for communication of neural impulses and therefore behavior. They learn and store information about their external environment. The neuron shape allows it to receive, conduct, and transmit signals. Dendrites: receives incoming information from other neurons. Increase the surface area available for the reception of signals from the axons to other neurons. Covered in tiny spines which grow and retract in response to experience. Extension of branching give an indication of the # of connections or synapses it makes with incoming axons. Soma: cell body, that contains the genetic machinery & most of the metabolic machinery needed for common cellular functions. Axon info sender : sends neural information to other neurons. Helps speed the rate of info transfer. The ends of the axon is called the terminal button releases neurochemical message (neurotransmitters) Presynaptic events that occur in the axon.
