Neural Structures

Question 1

Dendrites

Answer 1

A neurons bushy, branching extensions that revive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body

Question 2

Axon

Answer 2

The neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands

Question 3

Myelin sheath

Answer 3

A fatty tissue segmental,y encasing the axons of some neurons; enables vastly greater transmission speed as neural impulses hop from one sausage-like node to the next

Question 4

Synapse

Answer 4

The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or all body of the receiving neuron. The tiny gap at this junction is called the synaptic gap or synaptic cleft.

Question 5

Neurotransmitters

Answer 5

Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons. When released by the sending neuron. Neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, thereby influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse.

Question 6

Endorphins

Answer 6

“Morphine within”- a natural. Opiate like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and pleasure

Question 7

Agonist

Answer 7

A molecule that, by binding to a receptors site, stimulates a response

Question 8

Antagonist

Answer 8

A molecule that, by binding to a receptive site, inhibits or blocks a response