Ap Psych: Neurons

1. Neurons and the Nervous System
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2. Section 1: Neurons
• Learning Goals:
– Students should be able to answer the following:
1. What are neurons, and how do they transmit
information?
2. How do nerve cells communicate with other nerve
cells?
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3. Neurons
*Multiple Sclerosis degrades the Myelin Sheath
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Cell Body is also called the “Soma”

4. The Synapse
• Between Sending and Receiving Neurons AKA- “Cleft”
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Order of a Neuron
(1) Dendrite (2) Soma (3) Axon (4) Axon Terminal (5) Synapse

5. Neural Communication
• Resting Potential
– Negative Ions inside the axon
• Action Potential
– Positive Ions move inside the axon
• Refractory Period
– Neuron can’t fire (resetting effect)
• Sodium-Potassium Pump
– How the Neuron Fires
• Absolute Threshold
– How much stimulation the neuron needs to fire
• All-or-None Response
– A neuron fires or it doesn’t fire (like a gun)
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6. Neural Communication
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7. Section 1: Neurons
• Reflection of Learning Goals:
– Students should be able to answer the following:
1. What are neurons, and how do they transmit
information?
2. How do nerve cells communicate with other nerve
cells?
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Good
Understanding
Little
Understanding
Fair
Understanding

8. Section 1: Test Your Knowledge
1. Which part of the neuron helps to insulate
the action potential so that it moves faster?
A. Dendrite
B. Soma
C. Axon
D. Myelin Sheath
2. Which two chemicals are involved in a
neuron’s action potential?
A. Sodium and Potassium
B. Carbon and Sodium
C. Potassium and Carbon
D. Iron and Potassium
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9. Section 2: Neurotransmitters & Drugs
• Learning Goals:
– Students should be able to answer the following:
1. How do neurotransmitters influence behavior, and
how do drugs and other chemicals affect
neurotransmission.
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10. Neurotransmitters
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Neurotransmitter Function Other Facts
Acetylcholine (ACh) Muscle action, Memory Too little = Alzheimer's
Dopamine Learning, pleasure emotion Too much =
hallucinations
(Schizophrenia)
Too little = Parkinson's
Serotonin Mood Control, Aggression Too Little = Depression
Epinephrine/Norepinephrin
Alertness and Arousal Also a hormone
e
Sometimes called
adrenaline
Also Depression
GABA
“Get a Brake adjustment”
Inhibits/stops us from
getting too aroused
Too Little = OCD
thoughts, Seizures and
Anxiety
Endorphins Natural Painkillers Example: Runner’s High

11. Drugs and Neurotransmission
• Agonists
– Excite, Mimics
neurotransmitters
– Example: Heroin Mimics
Endorphins
• Antagonists
– Inhibit
– Example: Botox Blocks ACh
• Lock and Key Model
– How a neurotransmitter
binds with a receptor site
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12. Section 2: Neurotransmitters & Drugs
• Reflection of Learning Goals:
– Students should be able to answer the following:
1. How do neurotransmitters influence behavior, and
how do drugs and other chemicals affect
neurotransmission.
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Good
Understanding
Little
Understanding
Fair
Understanding

13. Section 2: Test Your Knowledge
1. You are conducting scientific research on
biology and behavior. For each of the
following decide what type of
neurotransmitter(s) you might look at
A. Parkinson’s Disease
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Major Depressive Episode
D. An agonist that causes people to feel little
pain
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14. Section 3: Nervous System vs. Endocrine System
• Learning Goals:
– Students should be able to answer the following:
1. What are the functions of the nervous system’s
main divisions?
2. How does the endocrine system transmit
messages?
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15. The Nervous System
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16. Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic Nervous System:
Division of the ANS that
arouses the body, mobilizing
its energy in stressful
situations. (Fight or Flight)
Parasympathetic Nervous
System: Division of the ANS
that calms the body,
conserving its energy.
(Rest and Digest)
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17. Types of Neurons
• Sensory Neurons (afferent)
– Carry information to the Central Nervous System
– Detect Pressure, Heat or Light
• Interneurons
– Connect Motor and Sensory Neurons in Central Nervous System (Most
Numerous Type of Neuron)
– Carries information from spinal cord to brain
• Motor Neurons (efferent)
– Carry information to the Muscles and Glands
– Important part of the peripheral nervous system
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18. Reflexes
• Automatic response that requires no “brain
messages” (Reflex Arc)
• Decision made at interneuron in the spinal
cord
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19. The Endocrine System
• The Endocrine System is
the body’s “slow”
chemical communication
system. Communication is
carried out by hormones
synthesized by a set of
glands.
• Includes all glands
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20. The Endocrine System
• Pituitary is the master gland
– Influences growth hormones
• Pituitary is controlled by the
hypothalamus
• Slow System has lasting effects
– Example: Adrenal Glands release
epinephrine and norepinephrine which
increase blood pressure and heart rate,
such as when you are caught in a lie
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21. Section 3: Nervous System vs. Endocrine System
• Reflection of Learning Goals:
– Students should be able to answer the following:
1. What are the functions of the nervous system’s
main divisions?
2. How does the endocrine system transmit
messages?
21
Good
Understanding
Little
Understanding
Fair
Understanding

22. Section 3: Test Your Knowledge
1. Which part of the nervous system is
responsible for fight or flight?
A. Somatic
B. Sympathetic
C. Parasympathetic
D. Occipital
2. Endocrine is to _____, as nervous system is
to_____.
A. Water, Land
B. Brain, Body
C. Agonist, Antagonist
D. Hormones, Neurotransmitters
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23. Section 4: Observing the Brain
• Learning Goals:
– Students should be able to answer the following:
1. How do neuroscientists study the brain’s
connections to behavior and the mind?
Mr. Burnes 23