Warm-Up: Why do we need to discuss the brain in Psychology?

A brain transplant is a common science fiction theme. Just for fun, imagine that the procedure has just become possible, and you have been chosen as the first candidate. Whose brain would you choose? Why? Who would you be after the transplant? Would your identity be the same as it was before, because you would occupy the same body? Or, would your identity be that of the new brain? Explain.

Neuron - WARM Axon soma (cell body) dendrite Synapse myelin sheath terminal buttons  this part contains the “brain” of the nerve cell Fatty covering on the axon Cells communicate here by means of neurotransmitters located at the end of the axon terminals, this part contains the messengers known as neurotransmitters transmits impulses away from cell body; can range from an inch to feet in length this part receives the impulse and transmits it toward the cell body T or F: The myelin sheath slows down the communication signal T or F: The dendrites of one neuron meet the dendrites of another Neurons function by electrical impulses, however, neurotransmitters are not electrical they are ___________. Our nervous system is divided into two parts --> which one branches out from the brain & spinal cord? _____________

Warm-Up Describe several situations where you might want your neurons to operate very efficiently and quickly. Describe several situations where you might wish your neurons to work inefficiently and slowly.

Nervous System and Neurons

The Nervous System Regulates our internal functions Involved in how we react to the external world At work while we are active or still, awake or asleep.

Two Main Parts Central Nervous System Brain & Spinal cord Spinal cord transmits messages to and from the brain to parts of the body. All messages go through the cord.

Two Main Parts Peripheral Nervous System branches out from central nervous system responsible for transmitting messages between the central & parts of the body

Neuron (Nerve Cell) Basic building block of communication in the body!! You need to know about the neuron to fully understand the central and peripheral systems The nervous system communicates through the neurons 100 billion in our bodies, most in the brain

Parts of the neuron Cell body (soma) Dendrites produces energy to fuel the cell directs the cell collects and combines incoming info Dendrites branch out from cell body receive information from other neurons

Axon cable carrying information from cell body to next dendrite vary in length Myelin Sheath fatty tissue that insulates & protects the axon speeds up transmission of the message

Axon Terminals Terminal Buttons Neurotransmitters at the end of the axon small branches that reach out to waiting dendrites Terminal Buttons at the end of the axon terminals hold neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters chemicals that push message across the synapse very specific jobs

Electrical within – chemical between

Types of Neurotransmitters: chemicals messengers pushed across the synapse; each has a very specific job Acetylocholine (Ach) involved in muscle control & memory depletion associated w/ Alzheimer's transmits messages b/t brain & spinal cord Dopamine involved in reward behaviors & motor behavior lack associated w/ Parkinson's excess may contribute to Schizophrenia Serotonin involved in emotional arousal & sleep Low levels are linked to depression & anxiety disorders