1. Warm-Up: Why do we need to discuss the brain in Psychology?

2. A brain transplant is a common science fiction theme.
Just for fun, imagine that the procedure has just become possible, and you have been chosen as the first candidate.
Whose brain would you choose? Why?
Who would you be after the transplant? Would your identity be the same as it was before, because you would occupy the same body? Or, would your identity be that of the new brain? Explain.

3. Neuron - WARM Axon soma (cell body) dendrite Synapse myelin sheath
terminal buttons
 this part contains the “brain” of the nerve cell
Fatty covering on the axon
Cells communicate here by means of neurotransmitters
located at the end of the axon terminals, this part contains the messengers known as neurotransmitters
transmits impulses away from cell body; can range from an inch to feet in length
this part receives the impulse and transmits it toward the cell body
T or F: The myelin sheath slows down the communication signal
T or F: The dendrites of one neuron meet the dendrites of another
Neurons function by electrical impulses, however, neurotransmitters are not electrical they are ___________.
Our nervous system is divided into two parts --> which one branches out from the brain & spinal cord? _____________

4. Warm-Up
Describe several situations where you might want your neurons to operate very efficiently and quickly. Describe several situations where you might wish your neurons to work inefficiently and slowly.

5. Nervous System and Neurons

6. The Nervous System Regulates our internal functions
Involved in how we react to the external world
At work while we are active or still, awake or asleep.

7. Two Main Parts Central Nervous System Brain & Spinal cord
Spinal cord transmits messages to and from the brain to parts of the body. All messages go through the cord.

8. Two Main Parts Peripheral Nervous System
branches out from central nervous system
responsible for transmitting messages between the central & parts of the body

10. Neuron (Nerve Cell)
Basic building block of communication in the body!!
You need to know about the neuron to fully understand the central and peripheral systems
The nervous system communicates through the neurons
100 billion in our bodies, most in the brain

11. Parts of the neuron Cell body (soma) Dendrites
produces energy to fuel the cell
directs the cell
collects and combines incoming info
Dendrites
branch out from cell body
receive information from other neurons

12. Axon
cable carrying information from cell body to next dendrite
vary in length
Myelin Sheath
fatty tissue that insulates & protects the axon
speeds up transmission of the message

13. Axon Terminals Terminal Buttons Neurotransmitters
at the end of the axon
small branches that reach out to waiting dendrites
Terminal Buttons
at the end of the axon terminals
hold neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters
chemicals that push message across the synapse
very specific jobs

14. Electrical within – chemical between

15. Types of Neurotransmitters: chemicals messengers pushed across the synapse; each has a very specific job
Acetylocholine (Ach)
involved in muscle control & memory
depletion associated w/ Alzheimer's
transmits messages b/t brain & spinal cord
Dopamine
involved in reward behaviors & motor behavior
lack associated w/ Parkinson's
excess may contribute to Schizophrenia
Serotonin
involved in emotional arousal & sleep
Low levels are linked to depression & anxiety disorders