THE NEURON

NEURON Neuron – brain cell that receives and transmits electrical signals throughout the nervous system. Neurons control: 1. muscle movement, 2. digestion 3. engage us in thinking, dreaming, and remembering.

PARTS OF THE NEURON Dendrites: Receive messages from other neurons Cell Body: Contains the nucleus Nucleus: Contains chromosomes

PARTS OF THE NEURON Axon: takes messages away from the cell body Myelin: white fatty substance that protects the axon and speeds messages along Node of Ranvier: gaps in the myelin

PARTS OF THE NEURON Axon Terminals: sends messages to the dendrites of the next neuron Synapse: space between the neurons

NEUROTRANSMITTERS specialize in transmitting information between neurons Acetylcholine (ACh) involved in learning, memory, and muscle movement People with Alzheimer’s often have trouble with Ach transmission. :

NEUROTRANSMITTERS high levels = Schizophrenia Dopamine: impacts our arousal and mood states, thought processes, and physical movement Low levels = Parkinson’s high levels = Schizophrenia

NEUROTRANSMITTERS 1. pain perception 2. pain relief Endorphins: are a group of neurotransmitters that are involved in: 1. pain perception 2. pain relief Serotonin: is involved in arousal and mood, and plays a major role in mood disorders such as depression

NEUROTRANSMITTERS GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid: is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system Lack of GABA may contribute to epileptic seizures