Biological Basis - Neurons/Neurotransmitters Flashcards
Neuron
basic cell of the nervous system
Dendrites
receive incoming signal
soma
cell body
axon
action potential travels down it
Myelin Sheath
speeds up the action potential down the axon, protects the axon, attacked by Tcells
Axon Terminals
release neurotransmitters, sending the signal to the next neuron
Vesicles
sacs inside the terminal that contain neurotransmitters
Synapse
gap between neurons
Action Potential
movement of Sodium and Potassium ions across the membrane
what does action potential do
sends an electrical charge down the axon
all or none law
stimulus must trigger the action potential past its threshold, but does not increase the intensity of the response
(flush the toilet)
refractory period
neuron must rest and reset before it can send another action potential
(toilet resets)
Sensory neurons
receives signals
Afferent neurons
Accept signals
Motor neurons
sends signals
