https://linkstream2.gerstein.info/tag/brainmyths0mg/
https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Myths-Exploded-Lessons-Neuroscience/dp/B01MUA54I0
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spindle_neuron
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Spindle neurons, also called von Economo neurons (VENs), are a specific class of neurons that are characterized by a large
spindle-shaped soma (or body), gradually tapering into a single apical axon in one direction, with only a single dendrite facing opposite. Other neurons tend to have many dendrites, and the polar-shaped morphology of spindle neurons is unique. A neuron’s dendrites receive signals, and its axon sends them.
Spindle neurons are found in two very restricted regions in the brains of hominids—the family of species comprising humans and other great apes—the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the fronto-insular cortex (FI). Recently they have been discovered in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of humans.[1] Spindle cells are also found in the brains of the humpback whales, fin whales, killer whales, sperm whales,[2][3] bottlenose dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, beluga whales,[4] African and Asian elephants,[5] and to a lesser extent in macaque monkeys[6] and raccoons.[7] The appearance of spindle neurons in distantly related clades suggests that they represent convergent evolution, specifically an adaptation to larger brains.
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http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_03/i_03_m/i_03_m_par/i_03_m_par_cafeine.html
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The stimulant effect of coffee comes largely from the way it acts on the adenosine receptors in the neural membrane. Adenosine is a central nervous system neuromodulator that has specific receptors. When adenosine binds to its receptors, neural activity slows down, and you feel sleepy. Adenosine thus facilitates sleep and dilates the blood vessels, probably to ensure good oxygenation during sleep.
Caffeine acts as an adenosine-receptor antagonist. This means that it binds to these same receptors, but without reducing neural activity. Fewer receptors are thus available to the natural “braking” action of adenosine, and neural activity therefore speeds up (see animation). “}}
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/serotonin-facts-232248
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It is thought that serotonin can affect mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory and sexual desire and function. …
Drugs that alter serotonin levels [SSRIs] have important clinical uses such as in the treatment of depression, nausea and migraine. …
Serotonin is created by a biochemical conversion process which combines tryptophan, a component of proteins, with tryptophan hydroxylase, a chemical reactor. Together, they form
5-hydroxyltryptamine (5-HT), also referred to as serotonin.
Serotonin is most commonly believed to be a neurotransmitter, although some consider the chemical to be a hormone.
…
t is believed that medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that can affect the levels of serotonin in the body work as antidepressants and are able to relieve the symptoms of depression. It is unknown precisely how they work, however.
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