Chapter 2 (B): Neural Communication and Neurotransmitters 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?
What part of the neuron receives messages from other cells? Neural Communication What part of the neuron receives messages from other cells? What part of the neuron sends 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: Reuptake: 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 produce endorphins?
Neural Communication
Neurotransmitters and their Functions
Neurotransmitter Pathways
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 Neurotransmitters that 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 perform their skits, and must submit one written script per 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: Review “The Neuron”