Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Neuroscience and Behavior in a Nutshell



This video is meant to give the viewer an better understanding of Neuroscience. Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system. The study includes molecular neuroscience, cellulat neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and psychophysics. As the video stated- the nervous system is the body's communication system. The key component in the nervous system is the neuron. A picture of the Neuron is pictured below.



The way a signal is sent through the neuron is systematic and important in the nervous system. The way a signal moves through the neuron is as such:
Dendrites (receive signal) ---> Soma (Cell body with nucleus)---> Axon (covered by the Myelin Sheath to speed up the relay of the signal) --> Axon terminal ---> Synapse (Gap between neurons where Neurotransmitters are sent to the dendrites of another neuron).

Neurotransmitters (NT)are the way in which neurons communicate. They have different types of activity: 1) Excitation- where the NT tells the next neuron to fire rapidly. 2) Inhibition- where the NT tells the next neuron to stop firing or fire less.

The Brain is also a major component of Neurosceince. There is another post providing information regarding the brain, including the key components mentioned in the video

Schwann Cells Cartoon



Schwann cells provide insulation to the neuron in the peripheral nervous system. These neurons (explained in another post in more detail) are the nerve cells in the brain responsbile for carrying nerve impulses. The Schwann cells help insulate the axons and help form the myelin sheath that allow for a rapid signal relay down the axon.

"The Female Brain" Novel by Louann Brizendine, M.D.



Information regarding Dr. Brizendine's novel and its connection to Neuroscience coming soon.