3: Neurons
- Page ID
- 408270
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)This chapter was adapted from:
Furtak, S. (2021). Neurons. In R. Biswas-Diener & E. Diener (Eds), Noba textbook series: Psychology. Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. Retrieved from http://noba.to/s678why4 License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED
This chapter provides an overview of the basic structure of neurons and their means of communication. Neurons receive information about the world around us from our sensory systems (vision, audition, olfaction, gustation, and somatosensation); in turn, they process that information and plan and execute appropriate responses, including attending to a stimulus, learning new information, speaking, eating, mating, and evaluating potential threats. This chapter aims to familiarize readers with the anatomy of neurons and explain how neurons use electrochemical signals to communicate, process sensory information, and generate complex behaviors. Understanding neurons is an essential foundation as you move forward in psychology.
- Differentiate the functional roles of the two main cell classes in the brain—neurons and glia.
- Describe how the forces of diffusion and electrostatic pressure work collectively to facilitate electrochemical communication.
- Define resting membrane potential, excitatory postsynaptic potentials, inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, and action potentials.
- Explain features of axonal and synaptic communication in neurons.
- 3.1: Introduction
- This page emphasizes the importance of neurons in comprehending brain function, comparing them to words in a sentence. It highlights Santiago Ramón y Cajal's groundbreaking research that identified neurons as individual units opposed to a continuous network. The content details neuron anatomy and electrochemical signaling, including resting membrane potential and inter-neuronal communication. It advocates for a conceptual understanding over rote memorization when dealing with complex terminology.
- 3.2: The Structure of the Neuron
- This page explains the structure and function of neurons, detailing components such as dendrites, soma, and axon. Dendrites receive signals, while the axon transmits action potentials to other neurons, often insulated by myelin. It describes synaptic communication through neurotransmitters crossing gaps between presynaptic and postsynaptic elements, alongside definitions of key terminology related to neuronal function.
- 3.3: Types of Cells in the Brain
- This page discusses the different types of neurons—sensory, motor, and interneurons—highlighting their distinct roles in information processing and response coordination. It describes neuron classifications: unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar, emphasizing their specific functions. Additionally, the page covers glial cells, such as oligodendroglia and Schwann cells, which support neurons by forming myelin sheaths and maintaining their environment, although they do not conduct electrical signals.
- 3.4: Communication Within and Between Neurons
- This page covers neuronal communication, detailing the electrical and chemical processes involved. It explains resting membrane potential and action potential, highlighting the role of ions and the threshold of excitation. EPSPs and IPSPs are discussed, emphasizing their summation and contribution to action potential generation.
- 3.5: Discussion Questions and Resources
- This page discusses neuron structure and function, including neuron inputs and outputs, electrochemical communication, and myelin's role in action potential speed. It explains diffusion and electrostatic pressure in resting and action potentials, as well as the communication cycle between neurons.
- 3.6: References
- This page presents references on neurons, highlighting the historical contributions of Cajal and Golgi to neuroscience. It covers neuronal morphology, membrane currents, and foundational neuron theory, illustrating the evolution of understanding in the field. Insights into foundational theories and contemporary analyses of neuronal structure and function are emphasized.