1. “Biology and Behavior” and “Neural Communication” Homework Review
Vocabulary words to highlight:
All-or-none response
Reuptake
Dendrite
Neurotransmitters
Axons
Serotonin
Axon potentials
Dopamine
Synapse
Endorphins
Excitatory signals
Inhibitory signals
Threshold
Video link

2. Further description: Two types of action potentials, or signals
What makes a neuron “fire” or send a message?
Two types of action potentials, or signals
Excitatory signals and Inhibitory signals
If excitatory signals are stronger than inhibitory signals, the neuron will fire
The point where an excitatory signal is more powerful than an inhibitory signal is called a threshold
Neuron will fire or will not fire, this is an all-or-none response

3. Further description: How does one neuron send another neuron a signal?
Message begins as electric, when message crosses the synapse it becomes chemical, and then becomes electric again when in the receiving neuron
Chemicals that cross the synapse are called neurotransmitters
There are many types of neurotransmitters and each neurotransmitter is responsible for different things
Neurotransmitters we will focus on are:
Serotonin
Dopamine
Endorphins
Any neurotransmitters that are not picked up by the receiving neuron is absorbed by the sending neuron, this is called reuptake

4. Demonstrate your knowledge: Create a neuron model
Paste two neurons onto larger paper (be sure the appropriate parts are communicating!)
Label parts of the neurons and the spaces between neurons
Draw arrows below the neuron showing which way the message is traveling
Indicate below the arrows what type of message is being passed at particular points (chemical/electric)
Label the components of chemical communication occurring