11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Part C.

11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Part C

Nervous system works because information flows from neuron to neuron
The Synapse Nervous system works because information flows from neuron to neuron Neurons functionally connected by synapses Junctions that mediate information transfer From one neuron to another neuron Or from one neuron to an effector cell © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Synapse Classification
Axodendritic—between axon terminals of one neuron and dendrites of others Axosomatic—between axon terminals of one neuron and soma of others Less common types: Axoaxonic (axon to axon) Dendrodendritic (dendrite to dendrite) Somatodendritic (dendrite to soma) © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Important Terminology
Presynaptic neuron Neuron conducting impulses toward synapse Sends the information Postsynaptic neuron (in Pns may be a neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell) Neuron transmitting electrical signal away from synapse Receives the information Most function as both PLAY Animation: Synapses © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.16 Synapses. Axodendritic synapses Dendrites Axosomatic
Cell body Axoaxonal synapses Axon Axon Axosomatic synapses Cell body (soma) of postsynaptic neuron © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Varieties of Synapses: Electrical Synapses
Less common than chemical synapses Neurons electrically coupled (joined by gap junctions that connect cytoplasm of adjacent neurons) Communication very rapid May be unidirectional or bidirectional Synchronize activity More abundant in: Embryonic nervous tissue Nerve impulse remains electrical © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Varieties of Synapses: Chemical Synapses
Specialized for release and reception of chemical neurotransmitters Typically composed of two parts Axon terminal of presynaptic neuron Contains synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitter Neurotransmitter receptor region on postsynaptic neuron's membrane Usually on dendrite or cell body Two parts separated by synaptic cleft Fluid-filled space Electrical impulse changed to chemical across synapse, then back into electrical © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

30 – 50 nm wide (~1/1,000,000th of an inch)
Synaptic Cleft 30 – 50 nm wide (~1/1,000,000th of an inch) Prevents nerve impulses from directly passing from one neuron to next © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Transmission across synaptic cleft
Chemical event (as opposed to an electrical one) Depends on release, diffusion, and receptor binding of neurotransmitters Ensures unidirectional communication between neurons PLAY Animation: Neurotransmitters © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Information Transfer Across Chemical Synapses
AP arrives at axon terminal of presynaptic neuron Causes voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to open Ca2+ floods into cell Synaptotagmin protein binds Ca2+ and promotes fusion of synaptic vesicles with axon membrane Exocytosis of neurotransmitter into synaptic cleft occurs Higher impulse frequency  more released © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Information Transfer Across Chemical Synapses
Neurotransmitter diffuses across synapse Binds to receptors on postsynaptic neuron Often chemically-gated ion channels Ion channels are opened Causes an excitatory or inhibitory event (graded potential) Neurotransmitter effects terminated © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Termination of Neurotransmitter Effects
Within a few milliseconds neurotransmitter effect terminated in one of three ways Reuptake By astrocytes or axon terminal Degradation By enzymes Diffusion Away from synaptic cleft © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.17 Chemical synapses transmit signals from one neuron to another using neurotransmitters.
Presynaptic neuron Presynaptic neuron Postsynaptic neuron Action potential arrives at axon terminal. 1 Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open and Ca2+ enters the axon terminal. 2 Mitochondrion Ca2+ entry causes synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitter by exocytosis 3 Synaptic cleft Axon terminal Synaptic vesicles Neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. 4 Postsynaptic neuron Ion movement Enzymatic degradation Graded potential Reuptake Diffusion away from synapse Binding of neurotransmitter opens ion channels, resulting in graded potentials. 5 Neurotransmitter effects are terminated by reuptake through transport proteins, enzymatic degradation, or diffusion away from the synapse. 6 © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Presynaptic neuron Presynaptic neuron Postsynaptic neuron Action potential arrives at axon terminal. 1 Mitochondrion Synaptic cleft Axon terminal Synaptic vesicles Postsynaptic neuron © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Presynaptic neuron Presynaptic neuron Postsynaptic neuron Action potential arrives at axon terminal. 1 Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open and Ca2+ enters the axon terminal. 2 Mitochondrion Synaptic cleft Axon terminal Synaptic vesicles Postsynaptic neuron © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Presynaptic neuron Presynaptic neuron Postsynaptic neuron Action potential arrives at axon terminal. 1 Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open and Ca2+ enters the axon terminal. 2 Mitochondrion Ca2+ entry causes synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitter by exocytosis 3 Synaptic cleft Axon terminal Synaptic vesicles Postsynaptic neuron © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Presynaptic neuron Presynaptic neuron Postsynaptic neuron Action potential arrives at axon terminal. 1 Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open and Ca2+ enters the axon terminal. 2 Mitochondrion Ca2+ entry causes synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitter by exocytosis 3 Synaptic cleft Axon terminal Synaptic vesicles Neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. 4 Postsynaptic neuron © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

ion channels, resulting in graded potentials.
Figure Chemical synapses transmit signals from one neuron to another using neurotransmitters. Ion movement Graded potential 5 Binding of neurotransmitter opens ion channels, resulting in graded potentials. © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

terminated by reuptake through transport proteins, enzymatic
Figure Chemical synapses transmit signals from one neuron to another using neurotransmitters. Enzymatic degradation Reuptake Diffusion away from synapse 6 Neurotransmitter effects are terminated by reuptake through transport proteins, enzymatic degradation, or diffusion away from the synapse. © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Presynaptic neuron Presynaptic neuron Postsynaptic neuron Action potential arrives at axon terminal. 1 Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open and Ca2+ enters the axon terminal. 2 Mitochondrion Ca2+ entry causes synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitter by exocytosis 3 Synaptic cleft Axon terminal Synaptic vesicles Neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. 4 Postsynaptic neuron Ion movement Enzymatic degradation Graded potential Reuptake Diffusion away from synapse Binding of neurotransmitter opens ion channels, resulting in graded potentials. 5 Neurotransmitter effects are terminated by reuptake through transport proteins, enzymatic degradation, or diffusion away from the synapse. 6 © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Synaptic delay is rate-limiting step of neural transmission
Time needed for neurotransmitter to be released, diffuse across synapse, and bind to receptors 0.3–5.0 ms Synaptic delay is rate-limiting step of neural transmission © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Postsynaptic Potentials
Neurotransmitter receptors cause graded potentials that vary in strength with Amount of neurotransmitter released and Time neurotransmitter stays in area © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Table 11.2 Comparison of Graded Potentials and Action Potentials (1 of 4)
© 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Postsynaptic Potentials
Types of postsynaptic potentials EPSP—excitatory postsynaptic potentials IPSP—inhibitory postsynaptic potentials © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Excitatory Synapses and EPSPs
Neurotransmitter binding opens chemically gated channels Allows simultaneous flow of Na+ and K+ in opposite directions Na+ influx greater than K+ efflux  net depolarization called EPSP (not AP) EPSP help trigger AP if EPSP is of threshold strength Can spread to axon hillock, trigger opening of voltage-gated channels, and cause AP to be generated © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.18a Postsynaptic potentials can be excitatory or inhibitory.
+30 An EPSP is a local depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane that brings the neuron closer to AP threshold. Neurotransmitter binding opens chemically gated ion channels, allowing Na+ and K+ to pass through simultaneously. Membrane potential (mV) Threshold –55 –70 Stimulus 10 20 30 Time (ms) Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Inhibitory Synapses and IPSPs
Reduces postsynaptic neuron's ability to produce an action potential Makes membrane more permeable to K+ or Cl– If K+ channels open, it moves out of cell If Cl- channels open, it moves into cell Therefore neurotransmitter hyperpolarizes cell Inner surface of membrane becomes more negative AP less likely to be generated © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.18b Postsynaptic potentials can be excitatory or inhibitory.
+30 An IPSP is a local hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane that drives the neuron away from AP threshold. Neurotransmitter binding opens K+ or Cl– channels. Membrane potential (mV) Threshold –55 –70 Stimulus 10 20 30 Time (ms) Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Synaptic Integration: Summation
A single EPSP cannot induce an AP EPSPs can summate to influence postsynaptic neuron IPSPs can also summate Most neurons receive both excitatory and inhibitory inputs from thousands of other neurons Only if EPSP's predominate and bring to threshold  AP © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Two Types of Summation Temporal summation Spatial summation
One or more presynaptic neurons transmit impulses in rapid-fire order Spatial summation Postsynaptic neuron stimulated simultaneously by large number of terminals at same time © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.19a Neural integration of EPSPs and IPSPs.
Threshold of axon of postsynaptic neuron Membrane potential (mV) Resting potential –55 –70 E1 E1 Time No summation: 2 stimuli separated in time cause EPSPs that do not add together. Excitatory synapse 1 (E1) Excitatory synapse 2 (E2) Inhibitory synapse (I1) © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.19b Neural integration of EPSPs and IPSPs.
Threshold of axon of postsynaptic neuron Resting potential Membrane potential (mV) –55 –70 E1 E1 Time Temporal summation: 2 excitatory stimuli close in time cause EPSPs that add together. Excitatory synapse 1 (E1) Excitatory synapse 2 (E2) Inhibitory synapse (I1) © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.19c Neural integration of EPSPs and IPSPs.
Threshold of axon of postsynaptic neuron Resting potential Membrane potential (mV) –55 –70 E1 + E2 Time Spatial summation: 2 simultaneous stimuli at different locations cause EPSPs that add together. Excitatory synapse 1 (E1) Excitatory synapse 2 (E2) Inhibitory synapse (I1) © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.19d Neural integration of EPSPs and IPSPs.
Threshold of axon of postsynaptic neuron Membrane potential (mV) Resting potential –55 –70 l1 E1 + l1 Time Spatial summation of EPSPs and IPSPs: Changes in membane potential can cancel each other out. Excitatory synapse 1 (E1) Excitatory synapse 2 (E2) Inhibitory synapse (I1) © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Integration: Synaptic Potentiation
Repeated use of synapse increases ability of presynaptic cell to excite postsynaptic neuron Ca2+ concentration increases in presynaptic terminal and postsynaptic neuron Brief high-frequency stimulation partially depolarizes postsynaptic neuron Chemically gated channels (NMDA receptors) allow Ca2+ entry Ca2+ activates kinase enzymes that promote more effective responses to subsequent stimuli © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Integration: Presynaptic Inhibition
Excitatory neurotransmitter release by one neuron inhibited by another neuron via an axoaxonic synapse Less neurotransmitter released Smaller EPSPs formed © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Language of nervous system
Neurotransmitters Language of nervous system 50 or more neurotransmitters have been identified Most neurons make two or more neurotransmitters Neurons can exert several influences Usually released at different stimulation frequencies Classified by chemical structure and by function © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Classification of Neurotransmitters: Chemical Structure
Acetylcholine (ACh) First identified; best understood Released at neuromuscular junctions ,by some ANS neurons, by some CNS neurons Synthesized from acetic and choline by enzyme choline acetyltransferase Degraded by enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Biogenic amines Catecholamines Dopamine, norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine Synthesized from amino acid tyrosine Indolamines Serotonin and histamine Serotonin synthesized from amino acid tryptophan; histamine synthesized from amino acid histidine Broadly distributed in brain Play roles in emotional behaviors and biological clock Some ANS motor neurons (especially NE) Imbalances associated with mental illness © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Peptides (neuropeptides) Substance P Mediator of pain signals Endorphins Beta endorphin, dynorphin and enkephalins Act as natural opiates; reduce pain perception Gut-brain peptides Somatostatin and cholecystokinin © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Purines ATP! Adenosine Potent inhibitor in brain Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors Act in both CNS and PNS Produce fast or slow responses Induce Ca2+ influx in astrocytes © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Gases and lipids - gasotransmitters Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide gases (H2S) Bind with G protein–coupled receptors in the brain Lipid soluble Synthesized on demand NO involved in learning and formation of new memories; brain damage in stroke patients, smooth muscle relaxation in intestine H2s acts directly on ion channels to alter function © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Endocannabinoids Act at same receptors as THC (active ingredient in marijuana) Most common G protein-linked receptors in brain Lipid soluble Synthesized on demand Believed involved in learning and memory May be involved in neuronal development, controlling appetite, and suppressing nausea © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Classification of Neurotransmitters: Function
Great diversity of functions Can classify by Effects – excitatory versus inhibitory Actions – direct versus indirect © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Classification of Neurotransmitters: Function
Effects - excitatory versus inhibitory Neurotransmitter effects can be excitatory (depolarizing) and/or inhibitory (hyperpolarizing) Effect determined by receptor to which it binds GABA and glycine usually inhibitory Glutamate usually excitatory Acetylcholine and NE bind to at least two receptor types with opposite effects ACh excitatory at neuromuscular junctions in skeletal muscle ACh inhibitory in cardiac muscle © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Classification of Neurotransmitters: Direct versus Indirect Actions
Neurotransmitter binds to and opens ion channels Promotes rapid responses by altering membrane potential Examples: ACh and amino acids © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Ion flow blocked Ions flow Ligand Closed ion channel Open ion channel
Figure Direct neurotransmitter receptor mechanism: Channel-linked receptors. Ion flow blocked Ions flow Ligand Closed ion channel Open ion channel © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Classification of Neurotransmitters: Direct versus Indirect Actions
Neurotransmitter acts through intracellular second messengers, usually G protein pathways Broader, longer-lasting effects similar to hormones Biogenic amines, neuropeptides, and dissolved gases © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.21 Indirect neurotransmitter receptor mechanism: G protein-inked receptors.
Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Adenylate cyclase Closed ion channel Open ion channel Receptor G protein cAMP changes membrane permeability by opening or closing ion channels. 5a cAMP activates specific genes. 5c GDP cAMP activates enzymes. 5b Receptor activates G protein. 2 G protein activates adenylate cyclase. 3 Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP (2nd messenger). 4 Nucleus Active enzyme © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Neurotransmitter Receptors
Types Channel-linked receptors Mediate fast synaptic transmission G protein-linked receptor Oversee slow synaptic responses © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Channel-Linked (Ionotropic) Receptors: Mechanism of Action
Ligand-gated ion channels Action is immediate and brief Excitatory receptors are channels for small cations Na+ influx contributes most to depolarization Inhibitory receptors allow Cl– influx that causes hyperpolarization © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Ion flow blocked Ions flow Ligand Closed ion channel Open ion channel
Figure Direct neurotransmitter receptor mechanism: Channel-linked receptors. Ion flow blocked Ions flow Ligand Closed ion channel Open ion channel © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

G Protein-Linked (Metabotropic) Receptors: Mechanism of Action
Responses are indirect, complex, slow, and often prolonged Transmembrane protein complexes Cause widespread metabolic changes Examples: muscarinic ACh receptors, receptors that bind biogenic amines and neuropeptides © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

G Protein-Linked Receptors: Mechanism
Neurotransmitter binds to G protein–linked receptor G protein is activated Activated G protein controls production of second messengers, e.g., Cyclic amp, cyclic GMP, diacylglycerol, or Ca2+ © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

G Protein-Linked Receptors: Mechanism
Second messengers Open or close ion channels Activate kinase enzymes Phosphorylate channel proteins Activate genes and induce protein synthesis © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.21 Indirect neurotransmitter receptor mechanism: G protein–linked receptors.
Slide 1 Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Adenylate cyclase Closed ion channel Open ion channel Receptor G protein 5a cAMP changes membrane permeability by opening or closing ion channels. cAMP activates specific genes. 5c 5b GDP cAMP activates enzymes. Receptor activates G protein. 2 G protein activates adenylate cyclase. 3 Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP (2nd messenger). 4 Nucleus Active enzyme © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Slide 2 Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Receptor Nucleus © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Slide 3 Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Receptor G protein GDP Receptor activates G protein. 2 Nucleus © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Slide 4 Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Adenylate cyclase Receptor G protein GDP Receptor activates G protein. 2 G protein activates adenylate cyclase. 3 Nucleus © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Slide 5 Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Adenylate cyclase Receptor G protein GDP Receptor activates G protein. 2 G protein activates adenylate cyclase. 3 Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP (2nd messenger). 4 Nucleus © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Slide 6 Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Adenylate cyclase Closed ion channel Open ion channel Receptor G protein 5a cAMP changes membrane permeability by opening or closing ion channels. GDP Receptor activates G protein. 2 G protein activates adenylate cyclase. 3 Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP (2nd messenger). 4 Nucleus © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Slide 7 Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Adenylate cyclase Closed ion channel Open ion channel Receptor G protein 5a cAMP changes membrane permeability by opening or closing ion channels. 5b GDP cAMP activates enzymes. Receptor activates G protein. 2 G protein activates adenylate cyclase. 3 Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP (2nd messenger). 4 Nucleus Active enzyme © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Slide 8 Recall from Chapter 3 that G protein signaling mechanisms are like a molecular relay race. Ligand (1st messenger) Receptor G protein Enzyme 2nd messenger Neurotransmitter (1st messenger) binds and activates receptor. 1 Adenylate cyclase Closed ion channel Open ion channel Receptor G protein 5a cAMP changes membrane permeability by opening or closing ion channels. cAMP activates specific genes. 5c 5b GDP cAMP activates enzymes. Receptor activates G protein. 2 G protein activates adenylate cyclase. 3 Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP (2nd messenger). 4 Nucleus Active enzyme © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Basic Concepts of Neural Integration
Neurons function in groups Groups contribute to broader neural functions There are billions of neurons in CNS Must be integration so the individual parts fuse to make a smoothly operating whole © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Organization of Neurons: Neuronal Pools
Functional groups of neurons Integrate incoming information received from receptors or other neuronal pools Forward processed information to other destinations Simple neuronal pool Single presynaptic fiber branches and synapses with several neurons in pool Discharge zone—neurons most closely associated with incoming fiber Facilitated zone—neurons farther away from incoming fiber © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.22 Simple neuronal pool.
Presynaptic (input) fiber Facilitated zone Discharge zone Facilitated zone © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Types of Circuits Circuits Four types of circuits
Patterns of synaptic connections in neuronal pools Four types of circuits Diverging Converging Reverberating Parallel after-discharge © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.23a Types of circuits in neuronal pools.
Input Diverging circuit • One input, many outputs • An amplifying circuit • Example: A single neuron in the brain can activate 100 or more motor neurons in the spinal cord and thousands of skeletal muscle fibers Many outputs © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.23b Types of circuits in neuronal pools.
Input 1 Converging circuit • Many inputs, one output • A concentrating circuit • Example: Different sensory stimuli can all elicit the same memory Input 2 Input 3 Output © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.23c Types of circuits in neuronal pools.
Input Reverberating circuit • Signal travels through a chain of neurons, each feeding back to previous neurons • An oscillating circuit • Controls rhythmic activity • Example: Involved in breathing, sleep-wake cycle, and repetitive motor activities such as walking Output © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.23d Types of circuits in neuronal pools.
Input Parallel after-discharge circuit • Signal stimulates neurons arranged in parallel arrays that eventually converge on a single output cell • Impulses reach output cell at different times, causing a burst of impulses called an after-discharge • Example: May be involved in exacting mental processes such as mathematical calculations Output © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Patterns of Neural Processing: Serial Processing
Input travels along one pathway to a specific destination System works in all-or-none manner to produce specific, anticipated response Example – spinal reflexes Rapid, automatic responses to stimuli Particular stimulus always causes same response Occur over pathways called reflex arcs Five components: receptor, sensory neuron, CNS integration center, motor neuron, effector © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.24 A simple reflex arc.
Stimulus Interneuron 1 Receptor 2 Sensory neuron 3 Integration center 4 Motor neuron 5 Effector Spinal cord (CNS) Response © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Patterns of Neural Processing: Parallel Processing
Input travels along several pathways Different parts of circuitry deal simultaneously with the information One stimulus promotes numerous responses Important for higher-level mental functioning Example: a sensed smell may remind one of an odor and any associated experiences © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Developmental Aspects of Neurons
Nervous system originates from neural tube and neural crest formed from ectoderm The neural tube becomes CNS Neuroepithelial cells of neural tube proliferate to form number of cells needed for development Neuroblasts become amitotic and migrate Neuroblasts sprout axons to connect with targets and become neurons © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Axonal Growth: Finding the Target
Growth cone at tip of axon interacts with its environment via: Cell surface adhesion proteins (laminin, integrin, and nerve cell adhesion molecules or N-CAMs) which provide anchor points Neurotropins that attract or repel the growth cone Nerve growth factor (NGF) which keeps neuroblast alive Once finds target must find right place to form synapse Astrocytes provide physical support and cholesterol essential for construction of synapses © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

Figure 11.25 A neuronal growth cone.

About 2/3 of neurons die before birth
Cell Death About 2/3 of neurons die before birth If do not form synapse with target Many cells also die due to apoptosis (programmed cell death) during development © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Part C.

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Part C."— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Part C.

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Part C."— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback