Neural and Hormonal Systems ARE A UNION OF OPPOSITES! Will Explain Why We FEEL Nervous Strong Sick Pain

It all Starts with the Neuron

Neuron Structure Neurons do NOT touch each other- the space in between is call the synapse.

Neural Structure Metaphorically (pg 205 in CP) Dendrite is like a tree. Also, each branch is a telephone wire that carries incoming messages to you. Dendrites DETECT All or None is like a gun. Fires completely or not at all. Myelin is like the insulation that covers electrical wires. See Multiple Sclerosois Neuron is like a silicon chip in a computer that receives and transmits information between input and output devices as well as between other chips. Axon is like an electrical cable that carries information. Axons ANNOUNCE (Union of Opposites) Resting Potential is like a battery. Stable until electrical charge stimulates it. Terminal Button is like the nozzle at the end of a hose, from which water is squirted. Synapse is like a railroad junction, where two trains may meet.

How a Neuron Fires It is an electrochemical process Electrical inside the neuron Chemical outside the neuron (in the synapse in the form of a neurotransmitter). The firing is called Action Potential.

The All-or None Response The idea that either the neuron fires or it does not- no part way firing. Like a gun

Steps of Action Potential Dendrites receive neurotransmitter from another neuron across the synapse. Reached its threshold- then fires based on the all-or-none response. Opens up a portal in axon, and lets in positive ions (Sodium-Na) which mix with negative ions (Chloride-Cl) that is already inside the axon (thus Neurons at rest have a slightly negative charge). The mixing of + and – ions (Union of Opposites) causes an electrical charge that opens up the next portal (letting in more Sodium-Na) while closing the original portal. Positive Potassium (K) is pumped out AS THE PROCESS OCCURS DOWN THE AXON and now the neuron is in a state of HYPERPOLARIAZTION AND THEREFORE CANNOT FIRE UNTIL THE BALANCE IS RESTORED. Process continues down axon to the axon terminal. Terminal buttons turns electrical charge into chemical messengers called (neurotransmitters) and shoots message to next neuron across the synapse.

Action Potential

Neural Impulse Like a Toilet: FLUSH! Pg 205 in CP all-or-none principle - the toilet either flushes completely or not at all; it doesn’t flush a little or a lot direction of impulse - the toilet only flushes one way, the impulse can’t come the other direction (you hope!) refractory period - after you flush the toilet, it won’t flush again for a certain period of time, even if you push the handle repeatedly threshold - you can push the handle a little bit, but it won’t flush until you push the   handle past a certain critical point - this corresponds to the level of excitatory neurotransmitters that a neuron must absorb before it will fire resting potential- if you are using a toilet with a tank, the water in the tank can represent resting potential. The toilet is “waiting” to fire, and the water in the tank represents the overall negative charge inside the neuron waiting for depolarization action potential - the action potential is represented by opening the flap in the tank and the water draining (flushing) down into the bowl See eBook Animations!

A GREAT In DEPTH REVIEW OF THE ENTIRE NEURAL PROCESS from the Khan Academy http://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/human-biology/v/neuronal-synapses--chemical

PLASTICITY: See In Class Demo: Time Trials & A Simplified Neural Network Neurons that learn to work together as a team. PLASTICITY: See In Class Demo: Time Trials & Video Lab

Chemical messengers released by terminal buttons through the synapse. Neurotransmitters “The KEYS” to Transmission 2 Types (Excitatory/Inhibitory) pg 212-213 in CP READ! 2 Ways to Change Their Effect (Agonist and Antagonist) Union of Opposites Chemical messengers released by terminal buttons through the synapse. We should know at least 4 types and what they do and how they “UNLOCK” the Receptor Sites.

How Neurons Communicate

Agonists and Antagonists Pg 212 in CP Union of Opposites

“Neural BODY” CANDY DEMO OF NEURAL PROCEESS AND SYNPATIC COMMUNICATION (SEE CLASS NOTES)

Dopamine (Inhibits) Its function is motor movement, alertness, motivation, reward (pp. 212 in CP) Lack of dopamine is associated with Parkinson’s disease. Overabundance is associated with schizophrenia. How is an alcoholic like Parkinson’s?

How Neurons Communicate

Biological Difference: Nucleus Accumbens A region in the frontal cortex that directs motivation to seek rewards. The nucleus accumbens is activated by anticipated or received awards (i.e., monetary, chocolate). Psych SIM : “Mind on Drugs! A team at the National Institutes of Mental Health in 2005 saw that the nucleus accumbens responded more in adolescents than in adults when they received a reward (Monastersky, 2007, para 27).

Biological Difference: Dopamine One reason the nucleus accumbens acts up more in adolescence is due to the different ways the younger brains deal with the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine, the brain chemical involved in motivation and in reinforcing behavior, is particularly abundant and active in the teen years (Wallis, 2004, para 21) In addition to pleasure, novel situations will cause dopamine to squirt into the nucleus accumbens. Psych Sim: “Mind on Drugs”

Acetylcholine (Excites!) Its function is motor movement and maybe memory. To much and you will…. Not enough and you will…. Lack of ACH has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Serotonin Function deals with mood control , sleep, appetite, control. (pp. 212 in CP) Lack of serotonin has been linked to depression. Prozac=SSRI “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor”

Endorphins Function deals with pain control. We become addicted to endorphin causing feelings.

Types of Neurons Sensory Neurons Motor Neurons Inter Neurons

Sensory Neurons (Afferent Neurons) Take information from the senses to the brain.

Inter Neurons Take messages from Sensory Neurons to other parts of the brain or to Motor Neurons.

Motor Neurons (Efferent Neurons) Take information from brain to the rest of the body.

Divisions of the Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System Flight or Fight Response

A Simple Reflex

The Endocrine System A system of glands that secrete hormones. Similar to nervous system, except hormones work a lot slower than neurotransmitters. Hormones Neurotransmitters

The Major Endocrine Glands