Download Slide 1

• You’re going to watch a short video about
multiple sclerosis. During the video, note
down:
– What do you see?
– What does it make you think?
– What does it make you wonder?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfNU_FPDa98
We are learning
about...
The structure of
neurones
Neuronal
transmission
We are learning
how to...
Describe
biopsychological
processes
We need to
use...
Reasoning
Making links
• The nervous system is made up of individual
neurons.
• Neurons are cells specialised for
communication of electrical and chemical
impulses.
• Draw and label a neuron in as much detail as
you can.
A neuron
Source: science photo library
Neurons
Neuronal cell
bodies
Axons
Synapses occur
at the junctions
Neurons
• Neurons come in three types:
– Sensory neurons
– Motor neurons
– Inter-neurons
• What do you think might be the differences
between them?
Types of neurons
• Sensory
• Motor
• Inter (relay)
• Carries information
from sensory organs to
CNS (through somatic
system)
• Carries information
from CNS to muscles
and glands (somatic &
autonomic systems)
• Connect neurons to
other neurons (lots of
these in the CNS)
Neuronal transmission
• Neurons transmit electrical signals called
action potentials.
• Action potentials work a bit like a ‘Mexican
wave’.
• The presence of a myelin sheath on a neuron
changes the rate of transmission.
• Multiple sclerosis is caused by a process called
demyelination.
– What do you think this might be?
– How do you think it might cause MS symptoms?
– Which divisions of the NS might be involved?