1. Synaptic Transmission

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this lecture, we think about the process of synaptic transmission, focusing in particular on: (i) how nerve cells or ‘neurons’ are structured; (ii) how information is transmitted between neurons through electrical and chemical signals; (iii) the role of neurotransmitters in relaying chemical information at the synapse; (iv) how this may have either an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the next neuron.

Course

In this course, Mr Kevin Silber (University of Derby) discusses the functions of the nervous system and the endocrine system. In the first lecture, we think about the role of neurons and the process of synaptic transmission. In the second lecture, we think about different types of neurotransmitters. In the third lecture, we think about the impact of recreational drugs on the brain. Next, we turn to the endocrine system and discuss how the different hormones produced by our endocrine glands are used to regulate bodily functions and processes. In the fifth and final lecture, we look at how the nervous system and the endocrine system work together to produce the ‘fight or flight’ response when our body is confronted with a threat.

Lecturer

Mr Kevin Silber is a senior lecturer at the University of Derby where he primarily teaches biological psychology modules. Mr Silber is also an AQA A-Level examiner and is involved in authoring texts for A-Level psychology. Having started life as a neuroscientist, Mr Silber’s research interests still lie in biologically oriented topics. However, his main research interest is now focused on body image. Some of Mr Silber’s recent publications include ‘Working memory in children: A developmental approach to the phonological coding of pictorial material’ (2011) and ‘Sexual orientation and the sleep-wake cycle: A preliminary investigation’ (2000).