synapses

• What is the main focus of Biological Psychology?

  It studies the relationship between the brain and mind activities
• Why is Biological Psychology not considered a reductionist way of thinking?

  Because experiences influence brain structure and function
• What are some biological systems that Biological Psychology is concerned with?

  Senses, Movement, Mood, Decision, Memory
• What are the pros and cons of having a gap between neurons?

  It allows for chemical communication but may slow down transmission
• Who observed the speed of conduction in reflexes?

  Sherrington
• What did Sherrington conclude about the speed of conduction?

  It differs with or without a gap between neurons
• What did Sherrington's observations about reflexes suggest?

  Weak stimuli can produce a stronger reflex when presented together
• What did Sherrington notice about muscle responses during reflexes?

  One set of muscles relaxes while another set becomes excited
• What did Sherrington win the Nobel Prize for?

  His discoveries regarding the functions of neurons
• Who shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906?

  Camillo Golgi and Santiago Ramón y Cajal
• What did Otto Loewi demonstrate about synaptic communication?

  It occurs via chemical means
• What are neurotransmitters?

  Chemicals that travel across the synapse to communicate between neurons
• What is the major sequence of events at the synapse?

  1. Neuron synthesizes neurotransmitters
  2. Stores neurotransmitters in axon terminals
  3. Action potential triggers release into synaptic cleft
  4. Neurotransmitters attach to receptors on postsynaptic neuron
  5. Neurotransmitters separate from receptors
  6. Reuptake or inactivation of neurotransmitters occurs
• What happens to neurotransmitters after they attach to receptors?

  They separate from the receptors and may be reabsorbed or inactivated
• What role does calcium play at the synapse?

  It is crucial for neurotransmitter release
• What is the summary of the concept of synapse?

  • Development of the synapse concept
  • Mechanism of neurotransmitter communication between neurons