This tutorial corresponds with Module B Lesson 1 and should be used by students enrolled in my online Psyc 300 class at American River College.

1. Biology of the Neuron
Module B Lesson 1 Tutorial
Created by: Professor Hokerson
American River College
Last Updated: Fall 2015

2. Using this Tutorial
• Use the navigation buttons to advance through the slides.
• Complete each slide as instructed.
• Click on hyperlinks when prompted.
• Have fun and learn!

3. Table of Contents (TOC)
• Objectives
• Module B Objectives # 4 and 5
• Action Items
• The Neuron
• Neural Transmission
• Neurotransmitters
• Communication Breakdowns
• Neurons and Disease
• Conclusions

4. MODULEB OBJECTIVES
After completing this tutorial you will be able to…
# 5– Describe how breakdowns in neural transmission cause
schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s
disease.
#6– Explain how agonist and antagonists drugs affect neural transmission
with the diseases/disorders listed above.

5. ACTION ITEMS

6. The Neuron
• Read: Chapter 2 – The Neuron (pages 45 – 49)
• Read: The Life and Death of a Neuron, which goes into more
depth about neurogenesis.
• Tip! You need to be able to identify the basic parts of a neuron
and their role in neural transmission! Here is a very detailed
video link to walk you through the neuron, from Educator.com.
Image retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuron
Dendrites
Cell Body
Cell Nucleus
Axon
Nodes of Ranvier
Myelin Sheath
Synaptic Vesicles
Receptor Sites
Axon Terminals

7. Neural Transmission
• Read: Chapter 2 – Communication Between Neurons (pages 47 – 49)
• Hint! Neurons send electrical and chemical messages!
Electrical messages occur within a neuron!
Chemical messages occur between neurons!

8. Neurotransmitters
• Read: Chapter 2 – Neurotransmitters and their Effects
(pages 49– 51) and How Drugs Affect Synaptic
Transmission (pages 51 – 52).
• Activity: Complete these simulations on Quizlet:
• Neurotransmitters
• Neurotransmitters and Disease
• Although neurotransmitters have been
found to be contributing factors for mental illnesses,
there might be others. Watch this YouTube video called
"The Science of Depression“ to learn more!

9. Communication Breakdowns
• Question: How does neural communication breakdown?
• Answer: Neural transmission can be interrupted in many ways!
• Not enough neurotransmitter released by the presynaptic neuron
(e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Brain cells die which can result in decrease in neurotransmitters
(e.g. Parkinson’s disease)
• Too much neurotransmitter (e.g. Schizophrenia)
• Reuptake decreases levels of available neurotransmitters (e.g.
Depression)

10. Conclusions
• There is a biological basis to our thoughts and behaviors.
• Our experiences are a result of many neurons communicating!
• Sometimes there are breakdowns in communication.
• Medications can counteract these breakdowns!
• It is still best to view our thoughts and behaviors as a
complex interaction of many neurotransmitters!

11. MODULEB OBJECTIVES
After completing this tutorial you should be able to…
# 5– Describe how breakdowns in neural transmission cause
schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s
disease.
#6– Explain how agonist and antagonists drugs affect neural transmission
with the diseases/disorders listed above.