neurobiology of Trauma

What is the Neuronal Connection?

The Axon Terminal .

What can Axon terminals form synapses?

Axon Terminal may form synapses with Axons on other cells, Cell bodies of other cells, and Dendrites(our main focus) on other cells.

What are Axon terminals?

Axon Terminals are also known as end-buttons. This is the part of the neuron where the electrical impulse is converted ito a chemical signal where Neurotransmitters are stored, released, & "reabsorbed".

The Neuron (nerve cell)

Dendrites, cell Body{soma], Node of Ranvier, Axon, Myelin, Presynaptic Terminal, Nucleus

What are some of the more common neurotransmitters?

Dopamine (DA), Serotonin (5-HT), Norepinephrine (NE)/Epinephrine (E) also known as (noradrenalin/adrenaline) and Acetylcholine (ACh).

Where are Hormones produced? And how are they distributed?

Hormones are produced in endocrine glands located in Hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, ovary/testis, etc. Hormones are released into extracellular fluid & distributed by bloodstream. The Taget Cell contain receptors which respond to the effects of the hormone.

Define the Neuronal Communication.

Neuronal Communication are neurotransmitters- which the chemical part of electrochemical conduction that stores and releases by the terminal buttons, and detected by the receptors on the "next neuron" in the chain. where 40 to 50 substances are identified as actual or potential neurotransmitters - the mionoamines which include: Dopamine (DA); Serotonin (5-HT); Norepinephrine (NE)/Epinephrine (E). Gamma Amino butyric acid (GABA) Excitatory Amino Acids (Gllutamate, Aspartate) Acetylcholine (ACh)

The Neuron (nerve cell) contain how many neurons and where?

Neurons contains over 100 billion neurons in the Central Nervous System.

How do neurons differ from other cells?

Neurons specialized for electrochemical conduction, very sensitive to 02 deprivation, is important in a variety of functions, Neurons DO NOT MULTIPLY(THEY WILL ON OCCASION PERFORM DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS) NEUROGENESIS VS NEUROPLASTICITY

Describe the Peripheral Nervous System.

Schwann Cells: similar to Oligodendroglia occurs in the PNS and acts as a guide for neuronal growth in the PNS.

Name and define some types of Neurons?

Sensory Neurons: gather information in the form of light, sound waves, odors, tastes and tactile information. Also includes feedback from muscles & the internal organs. Motor Neurons: produce movement by causing muscles to contract. Interneurons: exist in between the sensory & moto neurons found in the CNS - responsible for a wide rage of human activities - Perceiving, Learning & memory, Decision making, and other cognitive domains.

What is the Action Potential?

The Action Potential is the nerve Impulse where a trabillion synapses are made in the brain and bazillions of action potentials. Brain: Frontal, Parietal Temporal and Occipital.

Describe the Neuron structure of the Axon.

The Axon is a large projection which carries the nerve impulse away from the soma (cell body)toward the nerve terminal or end-button(carries the action potential). The Axon may be several millimeters long or up to one full meter in length (i.e. from your foot to the spinal cord). Axons are covered by Schwann cells or OLIGODENDROCYTES which creates a "Myelin sheath" which is a fatty insulation that surrounds the neuron - to insulates & protects the Axon & the nerve impulse, it speeds up neural conduction. The Degeneration of this myelin(brain white matter) leads to multiple sclerosis.

What other cells are found within the CNS?

The Central Nervous System - Neurons make up only 50% of CNS volume which have a very high rate of metabolism but cannot support themselves by storing nutrients. Basically, neurons are the prima-donnas. Glia (Neuroglial Cells) are: Astrocytes "star cell" which provides structural support and Removes waste material created by neuronal processes(by a process called Phagocytosis). Oligodendroglia - provides support & produces the Myelin Sheath which is 80% lipid(fat) & 20% protein. these cells wrap themselves around the neuronal axon (myelin). There are gaps in the myelin where the axon is exposed - Nodes of Ranvier: the "bare" portion. The myelink is actually 1mm segments within 1-2um gaps. This allows for Saltatory conduction of the action potential.

Give a Summary of the Neuronal Communication Process.

The Nervous System Commumication can involve one or more substances: Neurotransmitters, Hormones, Neuromodulators (i.e. substance P, cholecystokinin (CCK), endorphins, etc.

What are the Pros of Action Potential vs Post 'Synaptic Potential?

The Neural Communication through neurotransmitters to store, release and reuptake of chemicals.

Describe the Neuron structure of DENDRITES.

dendrites are branch or tree-like. They collect & analyze neural impulses. Covered with 1000's of special sites called RECEPTORS. The receptors are the sites where many psychotropic medications & drugs of abuse act.