Block 1 Flashcards
individual, highly specialized cells in the brain
neurons
functional space in which neurons communicate
synapse
cell body
soma
cellular fibers emerging from the soma
neurites
receive messages from other cell; many exist in the cell
dendrites
pass messages away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands; only one in cell
axons
contain synaptic vesicles
pre-synaptic terminals
contain neurochemical signals essential for neuron function (neurotransmitters)
synaptic vesicles
specialized proteins embedded in the membrane of the next neuron that bind neurotransmitters
neurotransmitter receptors
specialized proteins embedded in the membrane of the presynaptic terminal that bind and transport the neurotransmitter back into the presynaptic terminal for breakdown or reuse
re-uptake pumps
interneuron; single cell body with 2 neurites
bipolar neurons
sensory neuron; single cell body with 1 neurite
unipolar neuron
motoneuron; one single axon up to 3 feet long
multipolar neuron
explains neuronal function; information flows from dendrite to soma to axon via axodendritic connections (synapses); however cells receive information in the soma, axon, and terminals as well so the theory had to be revised
Law of Dynamic Polarization: First Theory
information always flows from presynaptic to postsynaptic cell with regard to a specific synapse
Law of Dynamic Polarization: Revised
bring information into the CNS from the body
sensory neurons
transmit information out of the CNS to muscles
motor neurons
lie between sensory and motor neurons; can be pre or post synaptic dependent on synapse in question
interneurons
molecules that have an electric charge (e-charge)
polar molecules
opposite charges…
attract
like charges…
repel
molecules that have no poles and lack e-charge; CANNOT interact with polar molecules like water (major problem in cell function)
nonpolar molecules
carbon, hydrogen, grease, oil, and fats are… (regarding charge)
nonpolar
when nonpolar molecules acquire a phosplate group; phosphate head attaches to lipid hydrocarbon tail; confest water solubility to normally insoluble fat
phospholipids
polar heads interact with water, so they are…
hydrophilic
nonpolar tails cannot interact with water, so they are…
hydrophobic
have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions (major component of nerve cell membranes)
amphipathic (phospholipids)
hydrophobic inside (effective barrier to charged particles trying to enter the cell) and hydrophilic outside
lipid bilayer