1. What is the neural basis of behavior?
Molecular vs. Molar levels of analysis
The Neuron
Structure
Electrical and Chemical Action
The Action Potential and the All-or-None Law
Synaptic Transmission
Neurotransmitters

2. Nodes of Ranvier Axon Myelin sheath Dendrites Axon terminals
(See Gleitman, p. 63)
Nodes of Ranvier
(cell nucleus)
Axon
Myelin sheath
Neural impulse
(cell body)
Dendrites
Axon terminals

3. (See Gleitman, p. 70) Axon At threshold: At 160% of threshold:
Recording electrodes
500 msec
At threshold:
At 160% of threshold:
At 270% of threshold:

4. The action potential Voltage change over Time
(See Gleitman, p. 68)
The action potential Voltage change over Time
depolarization
repolarization
hyperpolarization
resting
potential
(polarized)
refractory period
Stimulus onset

5. These axon terminals have
excitatory effects.
Dendrite
Axon
These axon terminals have
inhibitory effects.

6. Temporal summation: Dendrites Spatial summation:
several impulses from one source over time
Spatial summation:
several impulses from several sources converging at the same time

7. Na+ Na+ Na+ Na+ K+ (outside) (inside) (outside) (inside)
(See Gleitman, p. 69)
(outside)
(inside)
Na+
Na+
Na+
(outside)
(inside)
Na+ K+

8. Axon of the sending neuron
(See Gleitman, p. 72)
Axon of the sending neuron
Neural impulse
Synaptic vesicle
Axon terminal
Synapse
(Synaptic gap
or cleft)
Presynaptic
membrane
Binding site
Postsynaptic
membrane
Neurotransmitter molecule
Receiving neuron

9. A brief selection of well known neurotransmitter substances (from Gleitman, pp. 73-75):
Acetylcholine (+)
Serotonin (+)
Catecholamines:
Dopamine (+)
Norepinephrine (+)
Amino Acids
GABA (-)
Glutamate (+)