DNRS 6630 Week1

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Psychology

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May 9, 2024

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1. In 4 or 5 sentences, describe the anatomy of the basic unit of the nervous system, the neuron. Include each part of the neuron and a general overview of electrical impulse conduction, the pathway it travels, and the net result at the termination of the impulse. Be specific and provide examples. 2. Answer the following (listing is acceptable for these questions): o What are the major components that make up the subcortical structures? o Which component plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction? o What are the two key neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal region of the brain that play a major role in motor control? 3. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain how glia cells function in the central nervous system. Be specific and provide examples. 4. The synapse is an area between two neurons that allows for chemical communication. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain what part of the neurons are communicating with each other and in which direction does this communication occur? Be specific. 5. In 3–5 sentences, explain the concept of “neuroplasticity.” Be specific and provide examples. Billions of neurons with varying shapes are located throughout the nervous system, which is meant to receive, process, and communicate information (Camprodon & Roffman, 2016). Each part of the neuron has a part to play whether they are sensory, motor, or interneuron. These parts include the soma (cell body) that houses the nucleus, axon, axon terminal, and dendrites. The glia supports the neuron by means of nutrition and stability for survival (Camprodon & Roffman, 2016, p. 8). The dendrites send information to the neuron, which can cause or prevent a neuron from firing. Electrical impulses, or action potentials are sent down the axon and protected by myelin to help further transport the impulse (Camprodon & Roffman, 2016, p. 8). The axon splits into smaller branches that connect to other cells. For example, if one touches a hot stove, our senses send a signal to the brain that automatically makes us remove the hand quickly. The components that make up the subcortical structures are the basal ganglia, brain stem, thalamus, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland, which are located under the cerebral cortex within the central nervous system (Camprodon & Roffman, 2016, p. 6). The component that plays a role in learning, memory, and addiction of the brain is the

hippocampus. The two neurotransmitters located in the nigra striatal that assists with motor control are dopamine and GABAergic. As previously stated, glia cells provide a supportive and protective environment for neurons within the nervous system. The three glia cells that function in the central nervous system is: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. Astrocytes transport glutamate, oligodentrocytes generate myelin sheath, and microglia helps to clean dead cells (Camprodon & Roffman 2016, p. 8). Mental health plays an important factor in glia cells. According to Camprodon and Roffman (2016), mood disorders such as schizophrenia are related to myelin destruction (p. 8). The synapse helps to connect one neuron to another, transmitting chemical information from the presynaptic neuron to the post-synaptic neuron (Stern et al., 2016). When action potentials travel down the axon, it releases the neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron, then goes into the post-synaptic neuron to cause an excitatory or inhibitory response (Camprodon & Roffman 2016, p. 9). According to Karim et al. (2021), “Neuroplasticity is [defined as] the capacity of the brain to change its anatomical and functional architecture due to changes in sensory input or experience” (p. 299). In other words, our brain has the ability to adapt to life’s experiences. The whole concept surrounding the brain’s ability to adapt, changes occur when it is restricted or imbalanced. For example, substance use disorders can cause an imbalance of neuroplasticity in the synapse, thus causing further degenerative changes such as dementia (Camprodon & Roffman 2016, p. 5).

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