Question

Biopsychology/ Behavioral Neuroscience:

A) The Biological Basis of Behavior Anatomy of a neuron – explain what each part does

*Dendrites

*Receptors on dendrites that contain Ion channels/ gates

*Axon

*Myelin sheath

*Terminal button and synaptic vesicles

*Synapse and neurotransmitters (p. 65)

*Excitatory vs. Inhibitory neurotransmitters – explain the difference

Answer 1

A)

Dendrites - The dendrites are part of the neurons which are responsible for receiving information from other neurons.They recieve the chemical impulses for neurons through their branches. The information after received is sent to the cell body.

Receptors on dendrites that contain Ion channels/ gates - When a neurotransmitter binds to a spot on the gate, the gate allows the sodium ions into the cell. The sodium-potassium pumps push out the sodium out of the cell, and potassium ions (K+) into the cell.

Axon - The axon is a long nerve cell. The axons carry nerve impulses away from the neurons cell body. The axon carries the electric signal from the cell body to the synapse.

Myelin sheath- The neuron may be surrounded my myelin sheath, these are made up of schwann cells. It acts as a protective covering around the axons and acts as a electrical insulator.

Terminal button and synaptic vesicles - The terminal buttons are located at the end of the axon and are responsible for the release of neurotransmitters. The synaptic vesicles contain the neurotransmitters which are released.

Synapse - It is the area between two neurons where the communication are release of neurotransmitter takes place. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers which are released by neurons.

Excitatory vs. Inhibitory neurotransmitters - Inhibitory neurotransmitters are neuro-transmitters in which the likelihood of causing an action potential decreased, whereas excitatory neurotransmitters have an increased likelihood of firing.