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The simplest neural circuit a spinal reflex

Spinal Reflex A simple, involuntary behavior that is processed in the spinal cord without brain involvement

Electrical Signal Flow in Neurons

The Resting Potential 1. The neuron is more negatively charged on the inside of the cell body relative. Due to presence of more sodium ions (Na+) outside of the cell and negative proteins inside the cell. This leads to a resting potential of 70 millivolts inside the cell. Potassium ions are also found inside the cell. They are positively charged.

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As the membrane potential becomes more positive it reaches a threshold of excitation and an action potential forms. Stimuli that do not cause an action potential create what are called subthreshold responses. stimulus
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response

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Communication Within the Neuron

The All-or-None Action Potential

The myelin sheath allows the ac5on poten5al to move very quickly down the axon

Communication Between Neurons

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Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmi@ers

Excitatory neurotransmi@er Inhibitory neurotransmi@er

Na+ Ions

Cl- Ions

Excitatory neurotransmi@ers cause Na+ ions to enter the postsynap5c cell which depolarize it, allowing the postsynap5c cell to create ac5on poten5als

Inhibitory neurotransmi@ers cause Cl- ions to enter the postsynap5c cell which hyperpolarize it, preven5ng the postsynap5c cell from crea5ng ac5on poten5als

Drugs that are Agonists imitate the effects of neurotransmitters Drugs that are Antagonists block the effects neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine
First neurotransmitter discovered. Used by nerves to communicate with muscles causes muscle contraction. Also used by neurons in the brain and spinal cord

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Dopamine
Dopamine imbalance in the brain involved in schizophrenia. Dopamine blockers (antagonists) are traditionally used to treat schizophrenia and related mental disorders. Dopamine antagonists can help regulate this system by "turning down" dopamine activity.

Loss of dopamine producing neurons is cause of Parkinson s Disease. L-dopa increases dopamine to aid Parkinsons sufferers

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

A native Inhibitory neurotransmitter Some drugs act as GABA receptor agonists
Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) - Valium, Xanax, Ativan Alcohol (sedative) Both work by increasing inhibition

Serotonin
Involved in promoting sleep Involved in depression, where not enough neurotransmitter is released
Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexia, etc (antidepressants) work by keeping serotonin in the synapse longer, giving it more time to exert an effect. These drugs block serotonin reuptake from the synapse.