1. Chapter 2 (B): Neural Communication and Neurotransmitters
A.P. Psychology

2. 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?

3. What part of the neuron receives messages from other cells?
Neural Communication
What part of the neuron receives messages from other cells?
What part of the neuron sends messages to other cells?

4. 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)

5. Neural Communication Neurotransmitters: Reuptake:
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

6. Neural Communication
What are some activities that may cause the body to produce endorphins?

7. Neural Communication

8. Neurotransmitters and their Functions

9. Neurotransmitter Pathways

10. 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.

11. Neurotransmitter Skits
Cast:
Alice Choline
Donna Dopamine
Sarah Tonin
Nora Pinephrine
Gabe Gaba
Gary Glutamate
Eric Endorphins
Other (The Brain, Prozac, etc.)

12. Homework
Unit 3-A FRQ:
Review “The Neuron”