Chapter 2

Question 1

Neuron (nerve cell)

Answer 1

The basic unit of the nervous system, each composed of a cell body, receptive extension(s) (dendrites), and a transmitting extension (axon)

Question 2

Glial Cells (glia/neuroglia)

Answer 2

Nonneuronal brain cells that provide structural, nutritional, and other types of support to the brain

Question 3

Neuron Doctrine

Answer 3

The hypothesis that the brain is composed of separate cells that are distinct structurally, metabolically, and functionally

Question 4

Synapse

Answer 4

The tiny gap between neurons where information is passed from one to the other

Question 5

Mitochondrion

Answer 5

A cellular organelle that provides metabolic energy for the cell’s processes

Question 6

Cell Nucleus

Answer 6

The spherical central structure of a cell that contains the chromosomes

Question 7

Ribosomes

Answer 7

Structures in the cell body where genetic information is translated to produce proteins

Question 8

Dendrite

Answer 8

One of the extensions of the cell body that are receptive surfaces of the neuron

Question 9

Input Zone

Answer 9

The part of the neuron that receives information, from other neurons or from specialized sensory structures. Usually corresponds to cells’ dendrites

Question 10

Cell Body/Soma

Answer 10

The region of a neuron that is identified by the presence of a cell nucleus

Question 11

Integration Zone

Answer 11

The part of the neuron that initiates nerve electrical activity. Usually corresponds to the neuron’s axon hillock.

Question 12

Axon

Answer 12

A single extension from the nerve cell that carries nerve impulses from the cello body to other neurons

Question 13

Conduction Zone

Answer 13

The part of the neuron over which the nerve’s electrical signal may be actively propagated. Usually corresponds to the cell’s axon.

Question 14

Axon Terminal (Synaptic Bouton)

Answer 14

The end of an axon or axon collateral, which forms a synapse on a neuron or other target cell

Question 15

Output Zone

Answer 15

The part of the neuron, usually corresponding to the axon terminals, at which the cell sends information to a another cell

Question 16

Multipolar Neuron

Answer 16

A nerve that has many dendrites and a single axon. (most common type of neuron)

Question 17

Bipolar Neuron

Answer 17

A nerve cell that has a single dendrite at one end and a single axon at the other. (common in sensory systems)

Question 18

Unipolar Neuron (Monopolar Neuron)

Answer 18

A nerve cell with a single branch that leaves the cell body and then extends in two directions; one end is the receptive pole, the other end is the output zone. (transmit touch information from the body to the spinal cord)

Question 19

Motoneuron (Motor Neuron)

Answer 19

A nerve cell that transmits motor messages, stimulating a muscle or gland. Have long axons reaching out to synapse on muscles.

Question 20

Sensory Neuron

Answer 20

A neuron that is directly affected by changes in the environment, such as light, odor, or touch.

Question 21

Interneuron

Answer 21

A neuron that is neither sensory nor motor; it receives input from and sends output to other neurons.

Question 22

Arborization

Answer 22

The elaborate branching of the dendrites of some neurons

Question 23

Presynaptic

Answer 23

Region of the synapse that releases the neurotransmitter

Question 24

Postsynaptic

Answer 24

Region of the synapse that receives and responds to neurotransmitters.

Question 25

Presynaptic Membrane

Answer 25

The specialized membrane of the axon terminal of the neuron that transmits information by releasing neurotransmitter

Question 26

Postsynaptic Membrane

Answer 26

The specialized membrane on the surface of the cell that receives information by responding to a neurotransmitter from a presynaptic neuron.

Question 27

Synaptic Cleft

Answer 27

The space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic elements

Question 28

Synaptic Vesicle

Answer 28

A small, spherical structure that contains molecules of neurotransmitter.

Question 29

Neurotransmitter (synaptic/chemical transmitter)

Answer 29

The chemical released from the presynaptic axon terminal that serves as the basis of communication between neurons.

Question 30

Receptor (Receptor Molecule)

Answer 30

A protein that binds and reacts to molecules of a neurotransmitter or hormone.

Question 31

Neural Plasticity

Answer 31

The ability of the nervous system to change in response to experience or the environment.

Question 32

Axon Hillock

Answer 32

A cone-shaped area from which the axon originates out of the cell body. Functionally, the integration zone of the neuron.

Question 33

Axon Collateral

Answer 33

A branch of an axon from a single neuron,

Question 34

Innervate

Answer 34

To provide neural input,

Question 35

Axonal Transport

Answer 35

The transportation of materials from the neuronal cell body to distant regions in the dendrites and axons, and from the axon terminals back to the cell body.

Question 36

Astrocyte

Answer 36

A star-shaped glial cell with numerous processes (extensions) that run in all directions.

Question 37

Microglial cells (microglia)

Answer 37

Extremely small glial cells that remove cellular debris from injured or dead cells.

Question 38

Oligodendrocyte

Answer 38

A type of glial cell that forms myelin in the central nervous system.

Question 39

Schwann Cell

Answer 39

The glial cell that forms myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

Question 40

Myelination

Answer 40

The process of myelin formation.

Question 41

Myelin

Answer 41

The fatty insulation around an axon, formed by glial cells, that improves the speed of conduction of nerve impulses.

Question 42

Node of Ranvier

Answer 42

A gap between successive segments of the myelin sheath where the axon membrane is exposed.

Question 43

Edema

Answer 43

The swelling of tissue, especially in the brain, in response to injury.

Question 44

Multiple Sclerosis

Answer 44

Literally, “many scars”; a disorder characterized by widespread degeneration of myelin.