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Kanav Psyc Assignement 2

The document summarizes the structure and function of neurons and three major neurotransmitters. Neurons have distinct structures - a cell body, dendrites, axons, and axon terminals - that allow them to transmit and process information throughout the body. Sensory neurons convey sensory information, motor neurons control muscles and glands, and interneurons relay messages between them. Serotonin regulates mood and emotions. Dopamine is involved in reward and motivation. Acetylcholine influences learning, memory, and muscle control. Each neurotransmitter has a distinct purpose in governing brain function and activity.

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Kanav Passi
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38 views4 pages

Kanav Psyc Assignement 2

The document summarizes the structure and function of neurons and three major neurotransmitters. Neurons have distinct structures - a cell body, dendrites, axons, and axon terminals - that allow them to transmit and process information throughout the body. Sensory neurons convey sensory information, motor neurons control muscles and glands, and interneurons relay messages between them. Serotonin regulates mood and emotions. Dopamine is involved in reward and motivation. Acetylcholine influences learning, memory, and muscle control. Each neurotransmitter has a distinct purpose in governing brain function and activity.

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Kanav Passi
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Kanav Passi

University of Fraser Valley, India

PSYC-101: Introduction to Psychology

Prof. Tarun deep Kaur

June 15, 2023


DESCRIBE THE STRUCTURE AND THE FUNCTIONS OF THE NEURON. LIST
THREE OF THE MAJOR NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND DESCRIBE THEIR
FUNCTIONS.

The neuron is the basic building unit of the nervous system, responsible for information
transmission and processing throughout the body. Neurons have a distinct structure that
allows them to effectively fulfil their specialised jobs.

A Neuron's Structure:

Soma (Cell Body): The cell body houses the nucleus and other organelles required for the
neuron's metabolic processes.

Dendrites are branching neuronal extensions that receive communications from adjacent
neurons or sensory receptors. They have a large surface area for neurotransmitter reception.

Axon: An axon is a long, slender extension of the cell body that transports action potentials,
or electrical impulses, to other neurons, muscles, or organs.

Axon Terminal: At the extremity of the axon are terminal branches that establish synapses
with other neurons. These synapses enable messages to be sent between neurons.

Myelin Sheath: Glial cells, which are specialised cells, produce the myelin sheath that
surrounds the axons. Myelin acts as an insulator, permitting electrical impulses to propagate
more quickly along the axon.

Sensory neurons are responsible for transmitting sensory data from sensory receptors (such
as those in the epidermis, eyes, and ears) to the central nervous system (brain and spinal
cord). They allow us to perceive and detect our environment.

The transmission of messages from the central nervous system to muscles and glands by
motor neurons enables both voluntary and involuntary movement. They initiate and control
both muscular contractions and glandular secretions.
Interneurons are present in the central nervous system and are in charge of relaying messages
between sensory and motor neurons. They integrate and process information, allowing
complex brain pathways and reactions to be realised.

The Functions of Major Neurotransmitters:

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, hunger, and sensory perception. It
is essential in generating emotions of well-being and happiness. Serotonin imbalances have
been linked to a variety of mood disorders, including sadness and anxiety.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in reward and motivation, as well as motor


regulation. It plays an important part in the brain's reward circuit, promoting enjoyable
behaviours. Dopamine abnormalities have been related to diseases such as Parkinson's,
addiction, and schizophrenia.

Acetylcholine is involved in several cognitive tasks, including learning, memory, and


muscular control. It is also in charge of signal transmission between neurons and muscle
fibres at the neuromuscular junction. Alzheimer's disease is linked to low acetylcholine
levels.

These neurotransmitters are just a handful of the many chemical messengers found in the
brain and nervous system. Each neurotransmitter has a distinct purpose, but they often
interact and collaborate to govern numerous elements of brain function and activity.

In summary, neurons are the fundamental components of the nervous system, responsible for
information transmission and processing. The cell body, dendrites, axons, and axon terminals
are all separate structures. Sensory neurons convey messages from sensory receptors, motor
neurons provide information to muscles and glands, and interneurons let sensory and motor
neurons communicate. Serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine are three important
neurotransmitters having distinct roles in mood, reward, cognition, and muscular control.
Understanding the structure and functioning of neurons and neurotransmitters gives insights
into the brain's and nervous system's complicated workings.
References

Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Neurotransmitters. Cleveland Clinic.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22513-neurotransmitters

Overview of neuron structure and function (article) | Khan Academy. (n.d.). Khan Academy.

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/human-biology/neuron-nervous-

system/a/overview-of-neuron-structure-and-function

What is a neuron? (2019, August 13). Queensland Brain Institute - University of Queensland.

https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/what-neuron

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