3.5: Discussion Questions and Resources
Discussion Questions
- What structures of a neuron are the main input and output of that neuron?
- What does the statement mean that communication within and between cells is an electrochemical process?
- How does myelin increase speed and efficiency of the action potential?
- How does diffusion and electrostatic pressure contribute to the resting membrane potential and the action potential?
- Describe the cycle of communication within and between neurons.
Outside Resources
Video Series: Neurobiology/Biopsychology – Tutorial animations of action potentials, resting membrane potentials, and synaptic transmission.
http://www.sumanasinc.com/webcontent/animations/neurobiology.html
Video: An animation and an explanation of an action potential
Video: What’s so special about the human brain? Suzana Herculano-Houzel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7_XH1CBzGw&ab_channel=TED
Video: An animation of neurotransmitter actions at the synapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90cj4NX87Yk
Video: An interactive animation that allows students to observe the results of manipulations to excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic potentials. Also includes animations and explanations of transmission and neural circuits.
https://apps.childrenshospital.org/clinical/animation/neuron/
Video: Another animation of an action potential
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SHBnExxub8&list=PL968773A54EF13D21
Video: Another animation of neurotransmitter actions at the synapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT3VKAr4roo&list=PL968773A54EF13D21
Video: Domino Action Potential: This hands-on activity helps students grasp the complex process of the action potential, as well as become familiar with the characteristics of transmission (e.g., all-or-none response, refractory period).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzvZ11EutBY
Video: For perspective on techniques in neuroscience to look inside the brain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4smjT1qwZU
Video: The Behaving Brain is the third program in the DISCOVERING PSYCHOLOGY series. This program looks at the structure and composition of the human brain: how neurons function, how information is collected and transmitted, and how chemical reactions relate to thought and behavior.
http://www.learner.org/series/discoveringpsychology/03/e03expand.html
Video: You can grow new brain cells. Here’s how. -Can we, as adults, grow new neurons? Neuroscientist Sandrine Thuret says that we can, and she offers research and practical advice on how we can help our brains better perform neurogenesis—improving mood, increasing memory formation and preventing the decline associated with aging along the way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_tjKYvEziI
Web: For more information on the Nobel Prize shared by Ramón y Cajal and Golgi
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1906/
