Last Minute Lecture

Mind, Brain, and Behavior — Neural Systems, Brain Structure, and Plasticity Explained | Psychology Chapter 2 Summary In this comprehensive summary of Chapter 2 from Psychology (13th Edition) by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall, we delve into the biological foundations of psychology. This chapter emphasizes the inseparable connection between psychological processes and their biological underpinnings in the brain and nervous system. Watch the full YouTube podcast summary to hear the detailed explanation of neural systems and brain functions. The Nervous System: Building Blocks of Behavior The nervous system serves as the body's communication network. At its core are neurons , specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals. Key components include: Dendrites: Receive incoming signals. Axons: Carry electrical impulses away from the neuron’s cell body. Myelin Sheath: Fatty covering that speeds neural transmission. Synapse: The junction wh...

How Neurons Work: Chapter 19 – Ten Tricks of Neurons | Neuroscience for Dummies Summary Chapter 19 of Neuroscience for Dummies (3rd Edition) dives into the incredible toolkit neurons use to process information, learn from experience, and send signals across the brain and body. From the structure of dendritic spines to the speed of myelinated axons, this chapter reveals ten powerful tricks that make neurons the ultimate communicators of the nervous system. This blog expands on our Last Minute Lecture podcast summary of Chapter 19. Watch the video below and subscribe to the channel for more chapter-by-chapter textbook breakdowns. 1. Overcoming Size Limitations with Dendrites Neurons need a large surface area to form thousands of synaptic connections. They achieve this through complex branching and dendritic spines , which allow efficient reception of chemical signals across a wide surface area. 2. Dendritic Spines & Learning These tiny protrusions aren’t just structu...