3.14-3.17: Neuron Communication

Question 1

The part of the neuron that receives chemical messages from other neurons

Answer 1

Dendrite

Question 2

The part of the neuron that collects neural impulses, contains the nucleus, and provides life sustaining functions for the cell

Answer 2

Cell body

Question 3

The part of the neuron that transports electrical impulses to other neurons via the terminal branches

Answer 3

Axon

Question 4

The part of the neuron that converts electrical signals into chemical messages to other neurons

Answer 4

Terminal branch

Question 5

A layer of fatty tissue that covers and insulated an axon to ensure that electrical messages travel fast and meet less resistance

Answer 5

Myelin sheath

Question 6

The cells that make up the myelin sheath around neurons to insulate, support, and nourish neurons and modulate neuronal function

Answer 6

Glia

Question 7

A rapid change in voltage crated by a neuron when it is sufficiently stimulated to surpass a critical threshold; serves as a basis for neural signaling

Answer 7

Action potential

Question 8

The channels that allow chemical ions to enter and exit the neuronal membrane to generate the voltage for the resting and action potentials

Answer 8

Ion channels

Question 9

Occurs when a neuron’s voltage becomes more positive; the first phase of the action potential

Answer 9

Depolarization

Question 10

The voltage necessary for a neuron to start an action potential

Answer 10

Voltage threshold

Question 11

The portion of the action potential during which the neuron return to its resting potential

Answer 11

Repolarization

Question 12

The period of time required for a neuron to return to its resting state before it can fire another action potential

Answer 12

Refractory period

Question 13

The gap where a sending neuron communicates with the dendrites or cell body of the receiving neuron

Answer 13

Synapse

Question 14

The chemical messenger released at the terminal branch to allow communication between neurons

Answer 14

Neurotransmitter

Question 15

The brain’s most abundant class of neurotransmitters, including glutamate (important for neuronal excitation) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, important for neuronal inhibition and the regulation of muscle tone)

Answer 15

Amino acids

Question 16

A neurochemical class that includes norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin; important for flight or flight and reward responses

Answer 16

Monoamines

Question 17

A major neurotransmitter class that can behave as both the inhibitory and excitatory signal, supporting heart, skeletal muscle, and cognitive function

Answer 17

Acetylcholine

Question 18

A chemical that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter

Answer 18

Agonist

Question 19

A chemical that competes with a naturally occurring neurotransmitter to block neurotransmission

Answer 19

Antagonist