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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. • “syn” means to join together. • 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. • Neurotransmitters have in a way replaced the ancient idea of the 4 humors.

  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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