Module 2 Flashcards
Neurons
Also called nerve cell. The basic unit of the nervous system, each composed of a cell body, receptive extension(s) (dendrites), and a transmitting extension (axon)
Glial Cells
Also called glia or neuroglia. Nonneuronal brain cells that provide structural, nutritional, and other types of support to the brain.
Neuron Doctrine
The hypothesis that the brain is composed of cells that are distinct structurally, metabolically, and functionally.
Input Zone
where neurons collect and process information, either from the environment or from other cells
Output Zone
where the neuron transfers information to other cells
Integration Zone
where the decision to produce a neural signal is made
Dendrites
One of the extensions of the cell body through which synaptic inputs are received.
Axon
A single extension from the nerve cell that carries action potentials from the cell body to other neurons.
Axon Terminals
Also called synaptic bouton. The end of an axon or axon collateral, which forms a synapse on a neuron or other target cell.
Multipolar
A nerve cell that has many dendrites and a single axon.
Unipolar
Also called monopolar neuron. 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 the output zone.
Bipolar
A nerve cell that has a single dendrite at one end and a single axon at the other end.
Motor neurons
Also called motoneuron. A nerve cell that transmits motor messages, stimulating a muscle or gland.
Sensory neurons
A neuron that is directly affected by changes in the environment, such as light, odor, or touch.
Interneurons
A neuron that is neither a sensory neuron nor a motor neuron; it receives input from and sends output to other neurons.
