Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmission on human behaviour.
Neuron: nerve cells, sends signal to the brain in response to stimulus (external or internal)
Neurotransmission: the process by which electrical impulses travel around our body, affects the physiological system, cognition, mood and behavior
Process of neurotransmission:
1. Neurotransmitter is stored in vesicles which fuse with plasma membrane and release neurotransmitter into synaptic cleft
2. neurotransmitter diffuse across synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the other neuron
3. reabsorption of neurotransmitter molecules
Neurotransmission: the process by which electrical impulses travel around our body, affects the physiological system, cognition, mood and behavior
Process of neurotransmission:
1. Neurotransmitter is stored in vesicles which fuse with plasma membrane and release neurotransmitter into synaptic cleft
2. neurotransmitter diffuse across synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the other neuron
3. reabsorption of neurotransmitter molecules
Acetylcholine (Ach)
- a neurotransmitter which plays an important role in learning and short-term memory
- the cholinergic system is a system of nerve cells that uses acetylcholine in transmitting nerve signals. Memory processing and higher cognitive functioning are dependent on the cholinergic system
- also in charge of muscle contraction (delivers sodium ions which stimulates muscle contractions and excites nerves)
Excess in Ach
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Lack of Ach
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Support study - Martinez and Kesner (1991)
Brief content: Two groups of rats were trained to run through mazes, one has more acetylcholine while the other has less. It was found that the group of rats which has more acetylcholine run through the maze faster compared to the group who doesn't.
Evaluation:
Brief content: Two groups of rats were trained to run through mazes, one has more acetylcholine while the other has less. It was found that the group of rats which has more acetylcholine run through the maze faster compared to the group who doesn't.
Evaluation:
Strengths
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Limitations
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