neuron and neural transmission Flashcards
synapse
the space that occurs between 2 neurons or a neuron and another type of cell
describe the process of neural transmission
- signals are received by the dendrites
- transmitted from cell body/soma to axon
- neurotransmitters travel in vesicles through the axons
- enzymes break the vesicle at the axon terminals to send signals across synapse.
-to receptors on dendrites post synaptic neuron. - any left over neurotransmitters go through the re-uptake process
neurotransmitters
molecules that transmit messages between neuron’s or neuron’s to molecules
dopamine
makes people talkative and more excitable which leaves them wanting more
eg. an alcoholic when he sees a bar
neurons
responsible for receiving and transmitting information.
axon terminals
located at the end of the neuron and are responsible for sending signals to the other neurons
myelin sheaths
fatty lipids and proteins that covers and protects the nerves
how do nerves connect with each other
through the electrical signals carried by neurons and are passed on to the other neurons at the synapses
dendrites
are extensions at the beginning of a neuron that helps increase the surface area of the cell body
soma (cell body)
is where the signals from the dendrites are joined and passed on
serotonin
allows us to be happy and content
axon
a fibre that extends from the cell body to the terminal endings and transmits the neural signals
most neurons only have 1 axon
nodes of ranvier
gaps in the myelin sheath
describe the process of re-up take
neurotransmitters are absorbed back into a transmitting neuron (brain cell) after being released into the synapse
electro-chemical signals
once a neuron sends some sort stimulus generates electric potential (action) that travels down the length of the cell
why is neurotransmission considered an electrochemical signal?
because it involves both an electrical impulse travelling along the neurons axon, and the release of chemical neurotransmitters across the synapse
