Neurons and Nerves. Psychology

Neurons

• Parts:
• Dendrites
• Branch-like
• Receives messages from other cells
• Soma
• Cell body that contains organelles like the nucleus
• Axon
• Carry messages along to the terminals
• Myelin Sheath
• Protects and insulates axon
• Helps speed up action potential
• Axon Terminals / Synaptic Knobs
• Communicates to other cells through neurotransmitters

Glial Cells:

• Metabolic and physical support to nerve cells
• Produces Myelin
• Oligodendrocytes
• Found in the Central Nervous System
• Schwann Cells
• Found in the Peripheral Nervous System
• Can self-repair damage

Neural Impulse:

• Builds electrostatic pressure at rest phase
• Neurons have semi-permeable membranes
• Negative potassium ions inside
• Positive sodium ions outside
• Action Potential: firing impulse
• Electric charge reversal
• All-or-none fashion