Neurons & The Nervous System Knowledge Organizer

Here’s a knowledge organizer I’ve created of the most essential concepts for neurons and the structure of the nervous system in an introductory psychology course. These knowledge organizers are designed to help you identify the most important factual knowledge you need to have in order to engage in the more challenging activities of discussing, writing about, and applying the concepts. … Read More

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

In this video I explain the concept of long-term potentiation, which refers to the strengthening of neural connections due to repeated synchronous firing. Repeated firing leads to changes in chemical signaling between the two neurons, influencing neurotransmitter and receptor activity. Next I introduce an example of this with the possible role of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (for the neurotransmitter glutamate) in … Read More

How Hearing Works: Parts of the Ear

In this video I explain the process of transduction for hearing in order to convert soundwaves into neural activity. I describe each of the parts of the ear and discuss how the movement of fluid in the basilar membrane triggers hair cells (stereocilia) which then send messages to the brain via the auditory nerve. I explain the difference between place … Read More

Drugs and Neurotransmitters: Agonist or Antagonist?

In this video I discuss some ways that drugs can influence the functioning of neurotransmitters by binding to receptors on postsynaptic neurons. I explain the difference between agonist drugs which increase effects of a neurotransmitter and antagonist drugs which reduce the effects of the neurotransmitter. I explain how nicotine acts as an agonist for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and how neuroadaptation … Read More

Introduction to Neurotransmitters

In this video I introduce several neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, serotonin, and norepinephrine. I also describe some of the functions of each of these neurotransmitters, with the caveat to avoid oversimplifying the role of neurotransmitters in explaining complex behaviors. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d like to see covered … Read More

What Happens to Neurotransmitters After Release?

In this video I explain what else can happen to a neurotransmitter after release (besides binding to a receptor on the postsynaptic neuron). These include reuptake, enzyme deactivation, and autoreception, and I provide mnemonics for remembering each of these processes. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d like to see covered … Read More

How Neurons Communicate: The Synapse

In this video I explain how two neurons communicate using a neurotransmitter that travels across the synapse to receptor sites. This neurotransmitter can then influence the flow of ions in the postsynaptic neuron which can change its likelihood of firing an action potential. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d like … Read More

The Action Potential

In this video I explain how an action potential is triggered in a neuron when it reaches its threshold. I explain the movement of ions, resting potential, and the all or none principle of neural firing. I also cover how the message is propagated along the axon and how myelin makes this process more efficient. Don’t forget to subscribe to … Read More

Neuron Structure: Parts of a Neuron

In this video I describe the major parts of a neuron and briefly explain the function that each part serves. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d like to see covered in a future video? Let me know by commenting or sending me an email! Need more explanation? Check out my … Read More

Biological Bases of Behavior – Resources

On this page you’ll find a number of resources for understanding the biological approach to psychology as well as concepts of genetics and heritability. If I’ve missed a good resource, please share it in the comments section! General Resources Biological Bases of Behavior Key Terms List Biological Bases of Behavior Pinterest Page OpenStax Biology Chapter mcb80x HarvardX Open Course- Fundamentals of Neuroscience … Read More