1. Neuronal Structure and Function Flashcards
What are neurons?
specialized cells that transmit and process information from one part of the body to another
What are action potentials?
electrochemical impulses, localized area of depolarization of the plasma membrane that travels in a wave-like manner along an axon
What is synaptic transmission?
process by which the action potential reaches the end of an axon at a synapse and the signal is transformed into a chemical signal with the release of a neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft
What is a soma?
neuronal cell body that contains the nucleus
What are axons/dendrites?
slender projections that extend from the neuronal cell body
What does it mean for a neuron to be considered bipolar?
only contains one dendrite
What does it mean for a neuron to be considered multipolar?
contains multiple dendrites
What are synaptic knobs?
terminal branch of axons that forms connections with target cells
What is the synaptic cleft?
small gap between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of the next neuron
Where are chemical messengers released between neurons?
synaptic cleft
What are the two primary proteins that help establish the resting membrane potential?
Na/K ATPase
potassium leak channels
What is the resting membrane potential?
electrical potential across the plasma membrane; -70mV
What does the Na/K ATPase protein do?
pumps three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cells with the hydrolysis of one ATP
What does it mean for a neuron cell to be polarized?
cells are negative on the inside and positive on the outside
What does it mean for a neuron to be depolarized?
change in the membrane potential from resting to a less negative, or more positive, potential