- Barker Mountain Natural Area Preserve (dnr.wa.gov)
The mid to upper slopes of Barker Mountain, from about 3,200 to 4,000 feet in elevation, are included within this preserve. A broad, east-west ridgetop with ledges and steep slopes defines the south side, while small depressions with seeps form the north side. This 120 acre preserve protects examples of shrub-grassland ecosystems (also known as shrub-steppe), including a large area of antelope bitterbrush/Idaho fescue habitat on the gently sloping summit ridge. Wooded areas with ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and antelope bitterbrush form a mosaic with the grassland patches and represent an important forest type within the foothills of the Okanogan Highlands of north- central Washington.
- openstax | Psychology | 3.2 Cells of the Nervous System
Psychologists striving to understand the human mind may study the nervous system. Learning how the cells and organs (like the brain) function, help us understand the biological basis behind human psychology. The nervous system is composed of two basic cell types: glial cells (also known as glia) and neurons. Glial cells, which outnumber neurons ten to one, are traditionally thought to play a supportive role to neurons, both physically and metabolically. Glial cells provide scaffolding on which the nervous system is built, help neurons line up closely with each other to allow neuronal communication, provide insulation to neurons, transport nutrients and waste products, and mediate immune responses. Neurons, on the other hand, serve as interconnected information processors that are essential for all of the tasks of the nervous system. This section briefly describes the structure and function of neurons.