Lecture 1 Structure and Functions of Cells of the Nervous System Flashcards by Joshua Borer

Saltatory Conduction

Conduction of action potentials by myelinated axons - The action potential appears to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next

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Postsynaptic potentials

Alterations in the membrane potential of a postsynaptic neuron, produced by the liberation of a neurotransmitter at the synapse

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Binding Site

The location on a receptor protein to which a ligand binds

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Ligand (AKA Neurotransmitter)

A chemical that binds with the binding site of a receptor

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Dendritic Spine

A small bud on the surface of a dendrite, with which a terminal button of another neuron forms a synapse

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Presynaptic Membrane

The membrane of a terminal button that lies adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane and through which the neurotransmitter is released

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Postsynaptic membrane

The membrane located on the dendrite of the neuron that receives the information

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Synaptic Cleft

The space between the presynaptic membrane and the postsynaptic membrane that is about 20nm wide

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Synaptic Vesicle

A small, hollow, beadlike structure found in the terminal buttons - Contains molecules of a neurotransmitter

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Release Zone

A region of the interior of the presynaptic membrane of a synapse to which synaptic vesicles attach and release their neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft

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Activation of receptors POSTSYNAPTIC RECEPTOR

A receptor molecule in the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter

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Activation of receptors NEUROTRANSMITTER-DEPENDENT ION CHANNEL

An Ion channel that opens when a molecule of a neurotransmitter binds with a postsynaptic receptor

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Activation of receptors IONOTROPIC RECEPTOR

A receptor that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter and an ion channel that opens when a molecule of the neurotransmitter attaches to the binding site

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Activation of receptors METABOTROPIC RECEPTOR

A receptor that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter - Activates an enzyme that begins a series of events, opening an Ion channel elsewhere in the membrane of the cell when a molecule of the neurotransmitter attaches to the binding site

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Postsynaptic Potentials EXCITATORY POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL (EPSP)

An excitatory depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse caused by the liberation of a neurotransmitter by the terminal button

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Postsynaptic Potentials INHIBITORY POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL (IPSP)

An inhibitory hyper polarization of the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse caused by the liberation of a neurotransmitter by the terminal button

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Termination of postsynaptic potentials REUPTAKE

The reentry of a neurotransmitter just liberated by a terminal button back through its membrane, thus terminating the postsynaptic potential

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Termination of postsynaptic potentials ENZYMATIC DEACTIVATION

The destruction of a neurotransmitter by an enzyme after its release, for example, the destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase

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Termination of postsynaptic potentials ACETYLCHOLINE (Ach)

A neurotransmitter found in the brain, spinal cord, and parts of the peripheral nervous system - Responsible for muscular contraction - Active in memory, attention, and muscle control

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Termination of postsynaptic potentials ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE (AChE)

The enzyme that destroys acetylcholine soon after it is liberated by the terminal buttons, thus terminating the postsynaptic potential

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Effect of Postsynaptic potential

Neural Integration

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Neural Integration

The process by which inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic potentials summate and control the rate of firing of a neuron

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Autoreceptor

A receptor molecule located on a neuron that responds to the neurotransmitter released by that neuron

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Heteroreceptor

The receptor on the receiving neuron

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Autoreceptors have a variety of functions

- Regulate the internal processes of the cell - Regulate synthesis of the neurotransmitter - Regulate the release of a neurotransmitter - Generally serve to inhibit the activity of a transmitter

Axoaxonic Synapses PRESYNAPTIC INHIBITION

- The action of a presynaptic terminal button in an axoaxonic synapse - Reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic terminal button

Axoaxonic Synapses PRESYNAPTIC FACILITATION

- The action of a presynaptic terminal button in an axoaxonic synapse - Increases the amount of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic terminal button

Non-synaptic Chemical Communication NEUROMODULATORS

- A naturally secreted substance that acts like a neurotransmitter except that it is nor restricted to the synaptic cleft but diffuses through the extracellular fluid

Non-synaptic Chemical Communication PEPTIDE

- A chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. Most neuromodulators, and some hormones, consist of peptide molecules

Non-synaptic Chemical Communication HORMONE

- A chemical substance that is released by an endocrine gland and that has effects on target cells in other organs

Non-synaptic Chemical Communication ENDOCRINE GLAND

- A gland that liberates its secretions into the extracellular fluid around capillaries and hence into the bloodstream

drug class mantra

- There are classes of drugs and the classes are determined by the mechanism of action

Six primary neurotransmitters

- Gaba - Norepinephrine - glutamate - Dopamine - Seritonin - Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is broken down by?

- Acetylcholinesterase

Four most common electrolytes

- Sodium + - Potasium + - Chloride - CO2

If it ends in "ase" its most likely a?

- Enzyme

# Reversed Prompt - Comprised of the Brain and Spinal Cord - Encased WITHIN the Skull and Spinal column

Central Nervous System (CNS)

# Reversed Prompt - Comprised of Nerve tissue located OUTSIDE of the brain and Spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

# Reversed Prompt - Detects changes in the external OR internal environment and sends information about these changes to the CNS

Sensory Neuron

# Reversed Prompt - Located WITHIN the CNS that controls the contraction of a muscle or the secretion of a gland

Motor Neuron

# Reversed Prompt - Located ENTIRELY WITHIN the CNS

Interneuron

# Reversed Prompt - Cell body of a neuron, which contains the nucleus

Neuron Basic Structure SOMA or Cell Body

# Reversed Prompt - A branched treelike structure attached to the soma of a neuron - Receives info from the terminal button of other neurons

Neuron Basic Structure DENDRITE

# Reversed Prompt - The long thin cylindrical structure that conveys info from the soma of a neuron to its terminal button

Neuron Basic Structure AXON

# Reversed Prompt - A junction between the terminal button of an axon and the membrane of another neuron

Neuron Basic Structure SYNAPSE

# Reversed Prompt - A neuron with one axon and many dendrites attached to its soma

Multipolar Neurons

# Reversed Prompt - A Neuron with one axon and one dendrite attached to its soma

Bipolar Neurons

# Reversed Prompt - A neuron with one axon attached to its soma - The axon divides, one branch receiving sensory info and the other sending the info into the CNS

Unipolar Neurons

# Reversed Prompt - The bud at the end of a branch of an axon - Forms synapses with another neuron and sends info to that neuron

Neuron Basic Structure TERMINAL BUTTON

# Reversed Prompt - A chemical that is released by a terminal button - Has an excitatory or inhibitory effect on another neuron

Neuron Basic Structure NEUROTRANSMITTER

# Reversed Prompt - A structure consisting principally of lipid molecules that defines the outer boundaries of a cell and also constitutes many of the cell organelles

Internal Structure MEMBRANE

# Reversed Prompt - The viscous, dimi-liquid substance contained in the interior of a cell

Internal Structure CYTOPLASM

# Reversed Prompt - An organelle that is responsible for extracting energy from nutrients

Internal Structure MITOCHONDRIA

# Reversed Prompt - A molecule of prime importance to cellular energy metabolism - Its breakdown liberates energy

Internal Structure ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE (ATP)

# Reversed Prompt - A structure in the central region of a cell, containing the nucleolus and chromosomes

Internal Structure NECLEUS

# Reversed Prompt - A strand of DNA, with associated proteins, found in the nucleus and carries genetic info

Internal Structure CHROMOSOME

# Reversed Prompt - A long complex macromolecule consisting of two interconnected helical strands, along with associated proteins, strands of DNA constitute the chromosomes

Internal Structure DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA)

# Reversed Prompt - The functional unit of the chromosome, which directs synthesis of one or more proteins

Internal Structure GENE

# Reversed Prompt - Formed of microtubules and other protein fibers, linked to each other and forming a cohesive mass that gives a cell its shape

Internal Structure CYTOSKELETON

# Reversed Prompt - A Molecule that controls a chemical reaction, combining two substances or breaking a substance into two parts

Internal Structure ENZYME

# Reversed Prompt - A long strand of bundles of protein filaments arranged around a hollow core - A part of the cytoskeleton and involved in transporting substances from place to place within the cell

Internal Structure MICROTUBULE

# Reversed Prompt - An active process by which substances are propelled along microtubules that run the length of the axon

Internal Structure AXOPLASMIC TRANSPORT

# Reversed Prompt - Also known as neuroglia or "neural glue" The supporting cells of the CNS

Supporting Cells GLIAL CELLS

# Reversed Prompt - A glial cell that provides support to neurons of the CNS - Provides nutrients and other substances - Regulates the chemical composition of the extracellular fluid

Supporting Cells ASTROCYTE or "STAR CELL"

# Reversed Prompt - The process by which cells engulf and digest other cells or debris caused by cellular degeneration

Phagocytosis

# Reversed Prompt - A type of glial cell in the CNS that forms myelin sheaths

Oligodendrocyte

# Reversed Prompt - A sheath that surrounds axons and insulates them, preventing messages from spreading between adjacent axons

Myelin Sheath

# Reversed Prompt - A naked portion of a myelinated axon, between adjacent oligodendrocytes or Schwann cells

Node of Ranvier

# Reversed Prompt - The smallest glial cells - act as phagocytes and protect the brain from invading microorganisms

Microglia

# Reversed Prompt - A cell in the PNS that is wrapped around a myelinated axon, providing one segment of its myelin sheath

Schwann Cell

# Reversed Prompt - Paul ehrlich injected blue dye into the bloodstream of animals and found dye everywhere except in the brain and spinal cord - Regulates the chemicals that can enter the CNS from the blood - Helps the CNS maintain the proper composition of fluids inside and outside the neurons

Features of the Blood-Brain Barrier BBB

# Reversed Prompt - A semipermeable barrier between the blood and the brain produced by cells in the walls of the brain's capillaries

Blood-brain barrier

# Reversed Prompt - A region of the medulla where the blood-brain barrier is weak - Poisons can be detected there and can initiate vomiting

Area Postrema

# Reversed Prompt - A conductive medium that can be used to apply electrical stimulation and record electrical potentials

Electrode

# Reversed Prompt - A very fine electrode, generally used to record activity of individual neurons

Microelectrode

# Reversed Prompt - The electrical charge across a cell membrane; the difference in electrical potential inside and outside the cell

Membrane Potential

# Reversed Prompt - A laboratory instrument that is capable of displaying a graph of voltage as a function of time on the face of a cathode ray tube

Oscilloscope

# Reversed Prompt - Resting Membrane potential - Action potential

Axons have two basic electrical potentials

# Reversed Prompt - Depolarization - Hyperpolarization - Threshold of Excitation

The Membrane Potential can change

# Reversed Prompt -The resting potential of a neuron when it is not being altered by excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials; approximately -70mV in the giant squid axon

Resting Membrane Potential

# Reversed Prompt -Reduction (toward zero) of the membrane potential of a cell from its normal resting potential

Depolarization

# Reversed Prompt - An increase in the membrane potential of a cell, relative to the normal resting potential

Hyperpolarization

# Reversed Prompt - The brief electrical impulse that provides the basis for conduction of information along an axon

Action Potential

# Reversed Prompt - The value of the membrane potential that must be reached to produced an action potential

Threshold of Excitation

# Reversed Prompt - Movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to regions of low concentration

The force of Diffusion DIFFUSION

# Reversed Prompt - An aqueous solution of a material that ionizes a soluble acid, base, or salt

The force of Electrostatic Pressure ELECTROLYTE

# Reversed Prompt - A charged molecule - Cations are positively charged - Anions are negatively charged

The force of Electrostatic Pressure ION

# Reversed Prompt - The attractive force between atomic particles charged with opposite signs or - The repulsive force between two atomic particles charged with the same sign

Electrostatic Pressure

# Reversed Prompt - Sodium (+) - Potasium (+) - Chloride (-) - CO2 (-)

Most common Electrolytes and their charge

# Reversed Prompt - The fluid contained within cells

Intracellular Fluid

# Reversed Prompt - Body fluids located outside cells

Extracellular Fluid

# Reversed Prompt - A protein found in the membrane of all cells that extrudes sodium ions

Sodium-Potassium Transporter

# Reversed Prompt - A specialized protein molecule that permits specific ions to enter or leave the cell

Ion Channel

# Reversed Prompt - An ion channel that opens or closes according to the value of the membrane potential

Voltage-dependent Ion Channel

# Reversed Prompt - The principle that once an action potential is triggered in an axon, it is propagated without decrement to the end of the fiber

All-or-none Law

# Reversed Prompt - The principle that variations in the intensity of a stimulus or other information being transmitted in an axon are represented by variations in the rate at which that axon fires

Rate Law

# Reversed Prompt - Conduction of action potentials by myelinated axons - The action potential appears to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next

Saltatory Conduction

# Reversed Prompt - Alterations in the membrane potential of a postsynaptic neuron, produced by the liberation of a neurotransmitter at the synapse

Postsynaptic potentials

# Reversed Prompt - The location on a receptor protein to which a ligand binds

Binding Site

# Reversed Prompt - A chemical that binds with the binding site of a receptor

Ligand (AKA Neurotransmitter)

# Reversed Prompt - A small bud on the surface of a dendrite, with which a terminal button of another neuron forms a synapse

Dendritic Spine

# Reversed Prompt - The membrane of a terminal button that lies adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane and through which the neurotransmitter is released

Presynaptic Membrane

# Reversed Prompt - The membrane located on the dendrite of the neuron that receives the information

Postsynaptic membrane

# Reversed Prompt - The space between the presynaptic membrane and the postsynaptic membrane that is about 20nm wide

Synaptic Cleft

# Reversed Prompt - A small, hollow, beadlike structure found in the terminal buttons - Contains molecules of a neurotransmitter

Synaptic Vesicle

# Reversed Prompt - A region of the interior of the presynaptic membrane of a synapse to which synaptic vesicles attach and release their neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft

Release Zone

# Reversed Prompt - A receptor molecule in the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter

Activation of receptors POSTSYNAPTIC RECEPTOR

# Reversed Prompt - An Ion channel that opens when a molecule of a neurotransmitter binds with a postsynaptic receptor

Activation of receptors NEUROTRANSMITTER-DEPENDENT ION CHANNEL

# Reversed Prompt - A receptor that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter and an ion channel that opens when a molecule of the neurotransmitter attaches to the binding site

Activation of receptors IONOTROPIC RECEPTOR

# Reversed Prompt - A receptor that contains a binding site for a neurotransmitter - Activates an enzyme that begins a series of events, opening an Ion channel elsewhere in the membrane of the cell when a molecule of the neurotransmitter attaches to the binding site

Activation of receptors METABOTROPIC RECEPTOR

# Reversed Prompt - An excitatory depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse caused by the liberation of a neurotransmitter by the terminal button

Postsynaptic Potentials EXCITATORY POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL (EPSP)

# Reversed Prompt - An inhibitory hyper polarization of the postsynaptic membrane of a synapse caused by the liberation of a neurotransmitter by the terminal button

Postsynaptic Potentials INHIBITORY POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL (IPSP)

# Reversed Prompt - The reentry of a neurotransmitter just liberated by a terminal button back through its membrane, thus terminating the postsynaptic potential

Termination of postsynaptic potentials REUPTAKE

# Reversed Prompt - The destruction of a neurotransmitter by an enzyme after its release, for example, the destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase

Termination of postsynaptic potentials ENZYMATIC DEACTIVATION

# Reversed Prompt - A neurotransmitter found in the brain, spinal cord, and parts of the peripheral nervous system - Responsible for muscular contraction - Active in memory, attention, and muscle control

Termination of postsynaptic potentials ACETYLCHOLINE (Ach)

# Reversed Prompt - The enzyme that destroys acetylcholine soon after it is liberated by the terminal buttons, thus terminating the postsynaptic potential

Termination of postsynaptic potentials ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE (AChE)

# Reversed Prompt - Neural Integration

Effect of Postsynaptic potential

# Reversed Prompt - The process by which inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic potentials summate and control the rate of firing of a neuron

Neural Integration

# Reversed Prompt - A receptor molecule located on a neuron that responds to the neurotransmitter released by that neuron

Autoreceptor

# Reversed Prompt - The receptor on the receiving neuron

Heteroreceptor

# Reversed Prompt - Regulate the internal processes of the cell - Regulate synthesis of the neurotransmitter - Regulate the release of a neurotransmitter - Generally serve to inhibit the activity of a transmitter

Autoreceptors have a variety of functions

# Reversed Prompt - The action of a presynaptic terminal button in an axoaxonic synapse - Reduces the amount of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic terminal button

Axoaxonic Synapses PRESYNAPTIC INHIBITION

# Reversed Prompt - The action of a presynaptic terminal button in an axoaxonic synapse - Increases the amount of neurotransmitter released by the postsynaptic terminal button

Axoaxonic Synapses PRESYNAPTIC FACILITATION

# Reversed Prompt - A naturally secreted substance that acts like a neurotransmitter except that it is nor restricted to the synaptic cleft but diffuses through the extracellular fluid

Non-synaptic Chemical Communication NEUROMODULATORS

# Reversed Prompt - A chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. Most neuromodulators, and some hormones, consist of peptide molecules

Non-synaptic Chemical Communication PEPTIDE

# Reversed Prompt - A chemical substance that is released by an endocrine gland and that has effects on target cells in other organs

Non-synaptic Chemical Communication HORMONE

# Reversed Prompt - A gland that liberates its secretions into the extracellular fluid around capillaries and hence into the bloodstream

Non-synaptic Chemical Communication ENDOCRINE GLAND

# Reversed Prompt - There are classes of drugs and the classes are determined by the mechanism of action

drug class mantra

# Reversed Prompt - Gaba - Norepinephrine - glutamate - Dopamine - Seritonin - Acetylcholine

Six primary neurotransmitters

# Reversed Prompt - Acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholine is broken down by?

# Reversed Prompt - Sodium + - Potasium + - Chloride - CO2

Four most common electrolytes

# Reversed Prompt - Enzyme

If it ends in "ase" its most likely a?