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Unit 3-A (B): Neural Communication and Neurotransmitters. Mr. McCormick A.P. Psychology. Do-Now (In Journal). What is a neuron ? Provide an example of information that each of the following neurons may transmit: Sensory Neurons Motor Neurons Interneurons
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Unit 3-A (B):Neural Communicationand Neurotransmitters Mr. McCormick A.P. Psychology
Do-Now(In Journal) • What is a neuron? • Provide an example of information that each of the following neurons may transmit: • Sensory Neurons • Motor Neurons • Interneurons • What causes neurons to fire?
Neural Communication What part of theneuronreceives messages from other cells? What part of the neuronsends messages to other cells?
Neural Communication • Neurons interact so closely that, even with a microscope, it is difficult to determine where one neuron ends and another begins • Synapse: • The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite of the receiving neuron • Synaptic gap (less than one-millionth of an inch wide)
Neural Communication • Neurotransmitters: • Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons • Bind to receptor sites on receiving neurons • Influences whether receiving neuron will generate a neural impulse • Endorphins: • “Morphine-within” • Natural opiate-like neurotransmitter linked to pain control and pleasure • Reuptake: • A neurotransmitter’s reabsorption by the sending neuron
Neural Communication What are some activities that may cause the body to produceendorphins?
Neurotransmitter Skits • Directions: • In groups of 4-5 students, create a skit using any 4-5 of the characters below, to demonstrate the functions of the Neurotransmittersthat you have learned about in this unit. • Design a scenario and write a script(minimum: 20 lines), in which the characters’ personalities and interactions with one another reflect the roles of the associated neurotransmitter. • Each group will be required to performtheir skits, and must submit one written scriptper group.
Neurotransmitter Skits • Cast: • Alice Choline • Donna Dopamine • Sarah Tonin • Nora Pinephrine • Gabe Gaba • Gary Glutamate • Eric Endorphins • Other (The Brain, Prozac, etc.)
Homework • Unit 3-A FRQ: • Unit 3-A Quiz: “The Neuron”