The Neuron and Neural Firing
Elijah Flores
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers neural communication, focusing on neurons, glial cells, and the spinal cord reflex arc. It details the neural transmission process, including resting potential, action potential, and reuptake. Key neurotransmitters and hormones are discussed, along with their functions. The guide also explains the effects of psychoactive drugs (agonists, antagonists, reuptake inhibitors) on neurotransmitters and behavior, including tolerance and addiction. Finally, it provides practice questions and exam tips.
#AP Psychology: Neural Communication - Your Final Review 🧠
Hey! Let's make sure you're totally prepped for the exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to for a quick, confident review. Let's dive in!
#1. The Building Blocks: Neurons and Glial Cells
#Neural Cells in Behavior
- Neurons: The stars of the show! They transmit info using electrical and chemical signals. Think of them as tiny messengers. ✉️
- Form complex networks to process and relay information.
- Glial Cells: The unsung heroes! They support, insulate, and protect neurons. Like the stage crew for the neurons. 🎭
- Provide structure and scaffolding for neural networks.
- Insulate neurons to enhance signal transmission.
- Facilitate communication between neurons.
- Transport waste products away from neurons.
Together, neurons and glial cells are the foundation for all behavior and mental processes. Sensory input, processing, decision-making, and motor output all rely on them working together.
#Spinal Cord Reflex Arc
- Reflex Arc: A super-fast, automatic response to a stimulus. Think of it as a shortcut. ⚡
- Example: Pulling your hand away from a hot stove.
- Sensory Neurons detect the stimulus (heat).
- Interneurons in the spinal cord relay the signal.
- Motor Neurons cause muscles to react.
- This happens without the brain's direct involvement for super-fast reactions.
#2. The Neural Transmission Process
#Neural Transmission Mechanisms
- Resting Potential: Neuron is chillin', with a negative charge inside. 🧘
- Threshold: A stimulus makes the neuron less negative, reaching a critical point. Like flipping a switch.
- All-or-Nothing Principle: Once the threshold is reached, the neuron fires completely or not at all. No half-measures here.
- Depolarization: The action potential! The inside of the cell briefly becomes positive. 💥
- Refractory Period: A short rest period where the neuron can't fire again. Gotta recharge.
- Reuptake: Neurotransmitters are reabsorbed to end the signal and prep for the next one. Like cleaning up after a party.
Don't confuse depolarization and repolarization. Depolarization is when the cell becomes more positive, while repolarization is when the cell returns to its negative resting potential.
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