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Overview
Structure and Function of
the Neuron
Structures and Functions
of the Nervous System
Sensory Mechanisms
Neurons
Basic unit cell of the nervous system
Each neuron is composed of several
structures
Cell Body
Dendrites
Axon
Synaptic Terminals
Structure of an Axon
Types of Neurons
Sensory Neurons
Responsible for Sensory input
Interneurons
Responsible for Integration
Motor Neurons
Responsible for Motor Input
Potentials of a Neuron
Method of signaling among neurons
Membrane Potential (form of interaction between ions)
Unequal distribution of ions between a neuron cell and the
surrounding fluid
Causes an electrical attraction that is a source of
potential energy
Neuron cells that are inactive are negatively charged
Resting Potential (state of ions)
Neuron is inactive and not sending a signal
Action Potential (state of ions)
Neuron is active and sending signals
Changes in potential
Hyperpolarization (more negative)
Depolarization (more positive)
Threshold
Graded potential (does not exceed)
Action potential (exceeds)
Ion Distribution
Overview of Neuron
Signaling
1. During resting potential, most ion channels are closed
2. When a stimulus that causes sodium ions to enter the
cell depolarizes the membrane potential pass the
threshold, an action potential occurs
3. A positive-feedback cycle quickly releases potassium
ions and brings the cell below the threshold. Sodium
ions stop entering
4. The cells permeability to potassium ions increases
dramatically, and potassium ions return back to the cell
while sodium ions exit the cell, ending action potential
and bring the cell back to resting potential
Neurotransmitters
Chemical signals that transfer information to other neurons
Ligand-gated ion channels
Receptors of neurotransmitters
Synapse and
Neurotransmission
Evolution of Axon
The rate at which action potentials
are conducted determines how fast
an animal can react to its
surroundings
Wider axons
Myelin Sheath
Adaptations result in greater
success of survival
Gray matter
Bundled cell bodies
White matter
Bundled axons
Sections of an Animal
Brain
Brainstem
Pons and medulla
oblongata
Transfers information
between PNS and
forebrain
Spinal Cord
Contains bundles of
nerves and ganglia that
extend throughout the
body which relays
information to and from
the brain
Peripheral Nervous
System
Motor system
Control of skeletal muscle
Sympathetic and
Parasympathetic Divisions
Sympathetic division
Arousal and energy generation
Fight-or-flight response
Parasympathetic division
Calming and return to self-maintenance
Rest and digest
Evolution of Cognition in
Humans
Animals such as birds and primates
have high intelligence
Birds do not have a large cerebrum,
but humans do
Pallium: Neurons clumped together
Human neuron cells evolved to
organize in layers
Space-efficient, allows more
neurons, which results in a very
large brain
Sensory
Sensory Pathways begin with a series of steps
Sensory Reception
Sensory Transduction
Transmission
Perception
Amplification
Types of Sensory
Receptors
Mechanoreceptors
Physical touch
Chemoreceptors
Chemical compounds
Electromagnetic receptors
Electromagnetic energy
Thermoreceptors
Movement of molecules and ions
Pain receptors
Harmful conditions (extreme pressure/heat, damage to tissues)
Evolution of Sensory
Organs
Sensory organs evolved to
enhance survival
Highly developed nose to detect
scent
Extremely sensitive appendages
to detect touch
This evolution allows different
animals to adapt to their
environments
Sensory Organs of
different animals