Unit 3-A (B):
Neural Communication
and Neurotransmitters
Mr. McCormick
A.P. Psychology
Do-Now
(In Journal)

What is a neuron?

Provide an example of information that each of
the following neurons may transmit:
Sensory Neurons
 Motor Neurons
 Interneurons


What causes neurons to fire?
Neural Communication
 What
part of the neuron receives
messages from other cells?
 What
part of the neuron sends
messages to other cells?
Neural Communication

Neurons interact so closely that, even with a
microscope, it is difficult to determine where
one neuron ends and another begins

Synapse:
The junction between the axon tip of the sending
neuron and the dendrite of the receiving neuron
 Synaptic gap (less than one-millionth of an inch
wide)

Neural Communication

Neurotransmitters:

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Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between
neurons
Bind to receptor sites on receiving neurons
Influences whether receiving neuron will generate a neural
impulse
Endorphins:



“Morphine-within”
Natural opiate-like neurotransmitter linked to pain control and pleasure
Reuptake:

A neurotransmitter’s reabsorption by the sending neuron
Neural Communication
What are some activities
that may cause the body
to produce endorphins?
Neural Communication
Neurotransmitters
and their Functions
Neurotransmitter Pathways
Neurotransmitter Skits

Directions:

In groups of 4-5 students, create a skit using any 4-5 of the
characters below, to demonstrate the functions of the
Neurotransmitters that you have learned about in this unit.

Design a scenario and write a script (minimum: 20 lines), in
which the characters’ personalities and interactions with one
another reflect the roles of the associated neurotransmitter.

Each group will be required to perform their skits, and must
submit one written script per group.
Neurotransmitter Skits

Cast:

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Alice Choline
Donna Dopamine
Sarah Tonin
Nora Pinephrine
Gabe Gaba
Gary Glutamate
Eric Endorphins
Other (The Brain, Prozac, etc.)
Homework

Unit 3-A FRQ:

Unit 3-A Quiz: “The Neuron”