Hockenbury Discovering Psychology 5th txtbk

CONCEPTMAPNEUROSCIENCE AND BEHAVIORThe NeuronNervous system cells, specialized for communicationGlial cells (glia) outnumber neurons,provide structural support andnutrition for neurons, remove wastesTypes of neurons:• Sensory neurons• Motor neurons• InterneuronsParts of the neuron:• CeII body contains nucleus, provides energy• Dendrites receive information from other neurons• Axon sends information to other neuronsSynaptic transmissionAction potential travels along axon ofpresynaptic neuron; triggers release ofneurotransmitters from synaptic vesiclesNeurotransmitters cross synaptic gapImportant neurotransmitters• Acetylcholine• Dopamine• Serotonin• Norepinephrine• GABA• EndorphinsNeurotransmitters dock on correctly shaped receptor sites on postsynaptic neuron; can beblocked, increased, or decreased by drugs or other substancesExcitatory message: Postsynaptic neuron more likelyto activate and generate an action potentialInhibitory message: Postsynaptic neuronless likely to activateThe Nervous SystemCentral nervous systemPeripheral nervous systemBrainSpinal cordSomatic nervous systemAutonomic nervous systemSympatheticnervous system:Arouses and activatesParasympatheticnervous system:Calms and conserves