In: Psychology
Compare and contrast the following terms
a. neuron versus myelin sheath
b. dendrite versus axion e. action potential versus neurotransmitters
c. CNS versus the PNS f. insomnia versus sleep apnea
d. PET versus fMRI
e. action potential versus neurotransmitters
f. insomnia versus sleep apnea
A. A neuron is the basic unit of the nervous system and is a cell that carries electrical impulses. It receives and sends messages from the body to the brain and back to the body. The myelin sheath is a fatty covering that forms a protective sheath around some nerve fibers and dramatically speeds the transmission of nerve signals.
B. Dendrites receive electrochemical impulses from other neurons, and carry them inwards and towards the soma (cell body of the neuron), while axons carry the impulses away from the soma. Most neurons have multiple dendrites and only one axon.
C. The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all other nervous system tissue. All sensory receptors, sensory neurons and motor neurons are part of the PNS. The bones of the skull and spinal vertebrae encase all CNS neurons while in the PNS travel through or lie on top of muscle, organ and skin tissue.
D. Both PET scan and fMRI measure blood flow in the brain, which is an indirect measure of brain activity. PET scans are advantageous in that small movements do not impact the data while such movements can obscure and ruin fMRI data. At the same time, the resolution of the scans is superior in the case of fMRI.
Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of a question.