Analyzing The Basic Functioning Of A Neuron Beginning With...

1. Describe the basic functioning of a neuron beginning with receiving signals from other neurons or sense organs and ending with the transmission of a signal to another neuron. Explain how a pattern of neuron firing is related to behavior. Neurons communicate with one another along a synapse. Neurons are excitable cells that are activated via electrical or chemical signals. Nerve cells are an integral part of the nervous system. Neurons are made up of three distinct parts. The three integral parts of the neuron are the cell body, the dendrites, and the axon. The cell body is the middle portion of the neuron and contains the nucleus. It also contains the organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria. As an action potential travels down the axon of the presynaptic neuron, the action potential reaches the axon terminal synaptic vesicles which migrate toward the synapse. They then release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitters travel through the synaptic cleft and bind to ligand-gated ion channels on the postsynaptic neuron membrane. The channels open and allow chemicals to enter the cell (i.e. sodium). Then positively charged sodium enters the cell and causes the cell to depolarize. The depolarization spreads down the axon and an action potential is generated. The process then starts over at the axon terminals. Neurons can fire efficiently or it can also work too hard or too little. These patterns can inShow MoreRelatedAp Psychology Review Packet12425 Words   |  50 Pagesinformation. 23.Autonomic Nervous System:  the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs. 24.Availability Heuristic:  estimating the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory. 25.Axon:  the extension of a neuron, ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles and glands. 26.B.F. Skinner:  a leading behaviorist; rejected introspection and studied how consequences shape behavior. 27Read MorePsychology Workbook Essay22836 Words   |  92 Pagescheck mark by each statement that is true regarding psychology. __X_ Psychologists study human behavior. __X___ Psychologists study animal behavior. ____X_ Psychologists study emotions and mental processes. _____ Psychology and common sense lead to the same conclusions about behavior and mental processes. _____ Psychology is not a science. Objective I.2 Define the scientific method, and explain how it is used in psychology? Psychologists use the scientific method to evaluate