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Neurons

Neurons. What is a neuron?. A nerve cell that is the building block of the cell. Similar to cell but one key difference. Neurons are specialized to transmit information through the body. Differences. Neurons stop reproducing shortly after birth.

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Neurons

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  1. Neurons

  2. What is a neuron? • A nerve cell that is the building block of the cell. • Similar to cell but one key difference. • Neurons are specialized to transmit information through the body.

  3. Differences • Neurons stop reproducing shortly after birth. • HOWEVER….There are new connections that form throughout life

  4. How do they Communicate? • In 2 ways: Electrical and Chemical • Dendrites and axons are designed to transmit and receive information. • The connections between cells are called synapses

  5. Structure

  6. Communication • They need to transmit information from one cell to another. • The dendrites receive information from other neurons. • It is then passed on to the cell body and message is carried Away to the Axon. • It then travels down the length of the axon as an electrical signal

  7. Synapses • Once the signal reaches the end of the axon, it needs to reach the dendrites of another neuron. • The synapse is the “bridge” to another neuron. • Sometimes, it is a chemical message-a neurotransmitter-that is needed to send the message to another neuron through the synapse.

  8. Neurotransmitters • Essential part of everyday functioning! • Scientists have identified more than 100 of these chemical messengers.

  9. Acetylcholine • Associated with memory, muscle contractions and learning. • A lack of acetylcholine is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

  10. Dopamine • Controls brain’s reward and pleasure center. • A lack of dopamine could result in Parkinson’s disease while too much could result in Schizophrenia. • Linked to addiction. • Caffeine increases dopamine levels just like heroin and cocaine.

  11. Endorphins • Associated with pain perception and emotions. • Body releases endorphins in response to fear or trauma. • Similar to morphine but even stronger! • Runner’s high. More exercise=more endorphins • Certain foods trigger release: chocolate and spicy foods

  12. Serotonin • Helps maintain mood, sleep memory and learning etc. • There is a correlation between low levels of serotonin and depression, anxiety and fatigue. • Some foods can help like bananas and turkey. • Exercise also seems to increase levels of serotonin. • Migraines and motion sickness can also be a result of low serotonin levels

  13. Review • Neurons are composed of what parts? • Chemical messages are called ……? • The bridge to another neuron is the…..?

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