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Neurons and Neurotransmitters

Neurons and Neurotransmitters. Brain (CNS). Spinal Cord (CNS). Nerves (PNS). Nervous System An extensive network of specialized cells that carry information to and from all parts of the body. The Neurons and the Neurotransmitters: The Structure of the Neuron. Neuron ( NEW- ron )

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Neurons and Neurotransmitters

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  1. NeuronsandNeurotransmitters

  2. Brain (CNS) Spinal Cord (CNS) Nerves (PNS) Nervous System An extensive network of specialized cells that carry information to and from all parts of the body.

  3. The Neurons and the Neurotransmitters: The Structure of the Neuron • Neuron(NEW-ron) • the basic cell that makes up the nervous system and which receives and sends messages within that system. • Neurotransmitters • Specialized chemicals that facilitate or inhibit the transmission of impulses from one neuron to the next

  4. The Neurons and the Neurotransmitters: The Structure of the Neuron • Most neurons are made of three parts: • cell body (soma) • contains the nucleus • keeps the cell alive and functioning • dendrites • receives signals from other neurons • axon • slender, tail-like extension of the neuron • sprouts into branches, each ending in a bulbous axon terminal

  5. The Neurons and the Neurotransmitters: The Structure of the Neuron • Other parts of the neuron • Axon Terminal • Bulbous end of the axon where signals move from the axon of one neuron to the dendrites or cell body of another • Myelin • Fatty substances that coat the axons of neurons to insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse. • Insulates the neuron. • Bundles of myelin-coated axons travel together in “cables” called nerves.

  6. The Neurons and the Neurotransmitters: Communication between Neurons • Axon terminals are separated from the receiving neurons by fluid-filled gaps: synaptic gap (or cleft). • Synapse • junction where axon terminal of sending neuron communicates with receiving neuron

  7. The Synapse The neuron's electrical impulse reaches the synaptic knobs, triggering the release of the neuron's chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, from the synaptic vesicles and into the cleft.

  8. Neurotransmitters • Chemical substances that transmit messages between neurons • Released into synapse by axon terminals of sending neuron • Bind to receptor sites on dendrites of receiving neuron • Taken back into axon terminal by the process of reuptake

  9. The Neurons and the Neurotransmitters: Neural Communication • Resting potential • Action potential • Neuron fires an impulse • Neurons generate chemical electricity • Positive & negative ions • Depolarizes • Refractory Period • Excitatory versus inhibitory

  10. The Neurons and the Neurotransmitters: Neural Communication LO 4.2 What are neurons, and how do they work? • All-or-none - referring to the fact that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all. • Return to resting potential.

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