How Neurons Communicate: a detailed introduction (BSP 8)

When I started preparing for this week's episode I realized that before I could discuss neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) I would need to discuss some basic information about how neurons work. Thus this episode is rather long and technical, but hopefully understandable to those who are new to the field. I am including more detailed show notes than I usually do, along with the approximate times for the main sections, in case there is a particular topic you want to go back and review.

Listen to Episode 8 of the Brain Science Podcast

Download Episode 8 Transcript as PDF

The main source for this episode was the textbook From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular and Molecular Approach to the Function of the Nervous System, Fourth Edition (2001)

Topic Outline:

2:39-11:33 Neuronal signaling-the basics of electrical and chemical signaling
types of signaling-electrical and chemical
introducing the synapse
the importance of membrane proteins
11:55- 13:03 a bried discussion of how the brain differs from a digital computer
13:33-13:50 definition of neurotransmitters-
13:56-22:10 How neurotransmitters interact with receptors in the synapse
-direct and indirect chemical synapses-why they are important
-neuromuscular junction-an example of a direct chemical synapse
-the importance of synaptic delay
-the role of second messengers in indirect chemical synapses
-release and recycling of neurotransmitters
22:25-29:42 Types of Neurotransmitters and how they work-with examples
-how neuropeptides differ from low molecular weight neurotransmitters
-a little about how drugs work
29:58-41:54 How Neurotransmitters function in the Central Nervous System-with examples
-Glutamate is the key excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain
-an aside about Nutrasweet™ (30:33)
-glycine and GABA are inhibitatory
-acetycholine (33:32-34:34)
-discussion of Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert (35:30-36:55)
-serotonin
-histamine
-dopamine and Parkinson's disease

42:07-43:36 Closing Summary

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Comments

[Francesca Bocca]

Hi Ginger!
Thank you for the very clear explaination of this episode, it's always a pleasure to listen to your podcast.

I find it very introductive but also precise.

Hear from you soon
Francesca

[docartemis]

Francesca is studying neuroscience in Milan, Italy, so her feedback means a lot to me.

By the way Francesca,

I just found a video podcast on neuroanatomy (medical school level) that you might enjoy. It is listed in iTunes™ as Nervous System Podcast by Dr. Ron Clark.

[Gary]

Hi, Dr. Campbell. I recently discovered your podcast and just caught up with the latest edition. You make a really tough subject seem approachable, and I appreciate the time and care you take to make it so for laypersons like myself.

I'm a computer programmer, but I've always been kind of fascinated by how the brain works. So I was very happy to discover a podcast dedicated to that very subject. :)

On a personal note: It's quite refreshing to hear a familiar accent on a podcast! I'm a native of Alabama currently living in Atlanta, Georgia.

[Frank]

Hi Ginger,
I really enjoy and appreciate your podcasts from both Brain Science and Books and Ideas. Thank you for doing them.
Thanks,
Frank

[docartemis]

Thanks,

I may have to move Books and Ideas to a semi-regular schedule because it has evolved into a non-fiction book podcast, which is almost as time-consuming as preparing the Brain Science Podcast.

I would appreciate feedback about this from any of you who listen to both podcasts.